Liverpool and Scotland legend Alan Hansen is currently battling illness in hospital, with tributes flooding in from the football community.
Hansen is adored by the Liverpool faithful, having enjoyed a stellar 14-year career in Merseyside.
Notching up over 600 senior appearances for Liverpool, Hansen finished his time at Anfield with six league titles and three European Cups to his name.
What do we know about Alan Hansen’s illness?
Hansen was admitted to hospital last Sunday after falling ‘seriously ill’.
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The Sauchie-born ace - who turned 69 last week - has remained in hospital since.
What have Liverpool said about Alan Hansen’s illness?
The Reds issued a statement last week revealing the 68-year-old is in a serious condition and are in constant communication with his family.
It read: “The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital.
“The club is currently in contact with Alan’s family to provide our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all of the Hansen family.
“We will provide any further updates as we receive them in due course, and we request that the Hansen family’s privacy is respected at this time.”
What has Graeme Souness said about Alan Hansen’s illness?
One of those closest to Hansen was former international and Liverpool team-mate Graeme Souness.
Writing in The Daily Mail, Souness penned an emotional tribute to his long-time pal.
He said: "It's a desperate time for his wife, Janet, his children, Adam and Lucy, and everybody who is close to him. I'm praying, I don't know who to, but I'm praying that he will be around soon to return to his usual p***-taking duties.
“Alan is a rare breed in life, as I don't know anyone who has a bad word to say about him. The best footballing centre-back ever. He's a rascal with a ruthless sense of humour. Great company, a great storyteller...and apparently a great memory."
It followed another touching message from Souness during Scotland’s Euro 2024 defeat against Germany.
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Speaking as part of the ITV panel, the ex-Reds boss said: "Listen, I had the pleasure of playing with him, he was an absolute dream for a midfield player. He passed the ball at the right weight at the right time from the right angle.”
"Just a super football player, I believe the best footballing centre-half ever. I know that's some statement but I really believe that. I saw him close up and he was a real quality performer.”
Who else has sent a message to Alan Hansen?
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker also commented on Hansen’s condition during the BBC’s coverage of Albania vs Italy on Saturday evening.
The former England international said: "It's been a tough week for everyone associated with Match of the Day. The news that Alan Hansen is seriously ill in hospital shocked us all."
Fellow pundit Alan Shearer added: "We are all great friends with Al. We know he's a character, we know he's a fighter, we know how tough he is. So we're thinking of you big man and we're hoping, we're praying for you."
