Liverpool offer support to ‘seriously ill’ former defender Hansen

Liverpool have sent their “thoughts and support” to Alan Hansen, their former defender who is seriously ill in hospital.

Hansen made 620 appearances for the Merseysiders in a glittering playing career, winning eight league titles and three European Cups.

The 68-year-old, who also won 26 caps for Scotland, then turned his hand to punditry and was a regular on BBC’s Match of the Day until standing down in 2014.

A Liverpool statement 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.

“A defender of the utmost elegance, Hansen’s outstanding raft of honours across a 14-year spell with the Reds – he joined from Partick Thistle in 1977 – included eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups.

“‘Jocky’, as he was known by team-mates, is in the top 10 for all-time appearances for the club having played 620 matches, and the Scottish centre-back also served as Liverpool skipper for four seasons.

“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.”