After Kevin Keegan's family revealed the former Newcastle United player had cancer earlier this year, he spoke to fans in Newcastle, the city that he loves and where the Toon army adores him19:23, 01 Jun 2026Kevin Keegan plans to return to his beloved Newcastle Unitd to say farewell after his stage four cancer diagnosis. The England legend, nicknamed King Kev, was given a standing ovation after he told an audience on Tyneside: "They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer. He was a Liverpool supporter so I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone."‌Keegan's family revealed that he had cancer earlier this year. After a "really tough time," the former England gaffer was well enough to appear in Newcastle, the city he loves and where an army of fans adore him.‌He spoke on Sunday of his stage four diagnosis, the most advanced stage of cancer, meaning the disease has spread to other parts of the body.‌"I was in a car accident and, through that, I had to have an operation," he said on stage at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House."The doc said, 'Kevin, this new treatment, I've got a tremendous strike rate'. I said, 'What's your strike rate?'‌He said, '33%'. I thought it would be 80%, 90%. 33%!"I'm still here at the moment."Keegan enjoyed spells at Scunthorpe Utd, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle as a player during an illustrious career.‌He later went on to manage Newcastle, Fulham, England and Manchester City. He "wants to say goodbye" as he has not been back to Newcastle Utd since winning his case for constructive dismissal in 2009.But he admitted that he does not want a statue in tribute to him at the ground just yet."You will have to wait until I die, I'm afraid," he added. "I'm not against the statues that are outside.‌'But it's not something that really means that much to me. "My statue is the way you receive me."In a statement, Newcastle sent their "heartfelt support" and "warmest wishes" to Keegan and his family following his diagnosis. "Kevin holds a unique and cherished place in the history of Newcastle United, and in the hearts of our supporters," it read. "His passion, leadership and connection to the club and city have shaped some of our most memorable moments. Everyone at the club is behind Kevin and sends strength and best wishes to him and his family for the journey ahead. "Kevin will always be warmly welcomed at St James' Park and we hope to see him again soon." Keegan is one of England's all-time greats.Article continues belowHe won the three League titles, two Uefa Cups, and the FA Cup as a player, moving to Hamburg after winning the European Cup with Liverpool in 1977. He was then twice voted European footballer of the year.