Kevin Keegan reveals he has stage-four cancer in heartbreaking health update

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Kevin Keegan told fans that he is dealing with stage four cancer during a public appearance in Newcastle over the weekend.

It was announced back in January that the former Magpies, Manchester City and England manager was to be treated for cancer . The news was met with an outpouring of support from the football community, particularly from Keegan's former clubs with Newcastle confirming the news by sharing a statement from the 75-year-old and his family.

Keegan appeared in good spirits during a brief video prior to his first public appearance over the weekend at the Tyne Theatre to reminisce over his career.

It was during that appearance that Keegan shared further details of his diagnosis, telling supporters he has stage four cancer, the most advanced form of the disease.

Keegan is quoted as saying by The Mail : "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 went to meet him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean."

Keegan, who also had a stellar playing career which saw him represent his beloved Magpies and Liverpool among others, was on top form during the event.

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He light-heartedly told of the moment that the doctor treating him informed him of his impressive strike-rate against the disease.

Keegan quipped: "I said: 'Fantastic! What is your strike-rate?' He said: '33 per cent". Oh. I thought he might say 80, maybe 90! Anyway, I am still here at the moment…"

Having managed the club twice, Keegan confirmed he wants to return to St James' Park for the first time since leaving his post in 2008 to wave to the crowd prior to a game if possible, pointing out he did not previously get the chance to do so when he left.

'I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left the club last time," he told the crowd.

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Keegan is one of the most decorated English players of all time, winning the Ballon d'Or twice. He made 85 appearances for Newcastle before returning to manage the club, first in 1992. He won over half of his 251 games at the helm and came close to winning the Premier League . His second stint in the dugout was in 2008.

Despite his revered status, Keegan insists he doesn't want a statue at St James' Park, saying: "You will have to wait until I die. My statue is the way people receive me."