Former England national team captain and manager Kevin Keegan has disclosed that he has been diagnosed with stage four cancer.

The 75-year-old spoke about his condition publicly for the first time in a Sunday interview on Sky Sports after his family announced in January that he was diagnosed with cancer and set to begin treatment. 

Mr Keegan revealed that the cancer was discovered through a scan conducted during surgery following a car accident. He added that he is currently receiving treatment from a specialist in advanced-stage cancers.

“I was in a car accident and, through that, I had to have an operation,” the ex-Newcastle United forward and manager said on stage at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House.

He added, “Whilst having the scan for the operation, they found out I had cancer. They said they had an absolute top doctor for fighting what you have got, which is stage four cancer. 

“So I went to meet him. He’s a Liverpool supporter so I knew I wouldn’t walk alone.

“He 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.”

During his career, Mr Keegan played for several clubs across Europe, including Liverpool, Hamburger SV, Southampton, Newcastle United, Blacktown City, Scunthorpe United as well as the England national team. 

Following his retirement, he went on to coach Newcastle United, Fulham, England and Manchester City.