Scotland camp sends Alan Hansen heartfelt messages as Liverpool legend falls ill

The Scottish FA have extended their heartfelt wishes to Alan Hansen, a true ‘legend of the game’, as he faces a serious health battle in hospital.

The ex-Liverpool and Scotland stalwart was hospitalised over the weekend, prompting an outpouring of supportive messages. The Scotland squad at Euro 2024 has also reached out with well-wishes.

John Carver, the assistant manager, spoke before Scotland’s Group A match against Germany, saying: “I would just like to pass a message on to say that everybody, the players, the staff, everybody connected with the SFA, are really thinking about himself [Hansen] and his family because it is an extremely difficult time.

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“The biggest thing that I noticed was that he was a fantastic defender but he was a ball-playing centre-half. He was probably one of the first that I can remember seeing play.

“The way he stepped out with the ball, he was so graceful and that’s why I remember him. He was obviously at one of the top sides in the world at the time, winning European Cups, winning everything in sight, so a proper legend in the game.”

Hansen’s football journey began at Partick Thistle in Scotland before his famed move to Liverpool in 1977. His international career saw him earn 26 caps for Scotland, including participation in the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

Heartfelt messages of support have flooded in since news broke Hansen fell seriously ill over the weekend. One sincere message from his former team read: “Everyone at Partick Thistle FC would like to pass on our thoughts and best wishes to former defender Alan Hansen, who is seriously ill in hospital. Yesterday evening the club reached out to Alan’s family to offer our support as well as passing on the love and best wishes of all Thistle fans to Alan.”

Liverpool also reached out with a statement: “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.”

Friends and former teammates couldn’t help but express their concern and send well-wishes upon hearing the distressing news. Former colleague Gary Lineker was one of the first to react, posting, “Horrendous news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family.”

David Speedie, his former teammate during his time at Liverpool and Scotland, shared the sentiment saying, “Really sad to hear Alan Hansen is currently very seriously ill in hospital.

“Wishing him a speedy recovery, my thoughts are with Alan and his family at this difficult time. If anyone can fight back from this, it’s you Alan. Rooting for you pal.”