'A legend' - Real Madrid Kevin Keegan statement proves incredible impact of Newcastle United icon
The tributes to former Newcastle United player and manager Kevin Keegan have been pouring in from far and wide.
Kevin Keegan’s passing was not just a loss for Newcastle United and all connected with the club; it was a loss for football.
The news of Keegan’s death at the age of 75 following a battle with cancer extended far beyond Tyneside, Merseyside and even England.
Winning the European Cup with Liverpool, the Bundesliga with Hamburg and the only Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or twice, Keegan’s impact on football was global.
And that impact has been felt this week, with arguably the most prominent club in world football, Real Madrid, issuing a statement regarding his passing.
Keegan’s only notable connection to Real Madrid was his role in a stunning 5-1 win for Hamburg in the European Cup semi-final in 1980 to overturn a 2-0 aggregate deficit. The Spanish club also reportedly tried to sign him in the late 70s.
Real Madrid’s statement read: “Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Kevin Keegan, a legend of English and world football.
“Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to his family and loved ones, his teammates and all his clubs.
“Kevin Keegan played for Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Southampton, and Newcastle in England, and for Hamburg in Germany. With Liverpool, he won one European Cup, two UEFA Cups, three Premier League titles, two Charity Shields, and one FA Cup. With Hamburg, he won one Bundesliga title.
“Kevin Keegan was a Ballon d'Or winner twice, in 1978 and 1979. As a coach, he spent more than a decade at various English clubs and with the English national team.
“In 1982, he received the Order of the British Empire. Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. Rest in peace.”
Newcastle United players honoured Keegan at the training ground on Tuesday morning with a moments silence. The club have also encouraged supporters to pay their respects outside St James’ Park.
The club are also being encouraged to make a more permanent tribute to their former player and manager in the form of a statue or stand in his name. Alan Shearer and Sir Bobby Robson have statues outside of St James’ Park while Joe Harvey has a memorial plaque and Jackie Milburn has the Milburn Stand named after him.
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