Alan Hansen 'on the mend' as former team-mate Graeme Souness shares update

Alan Hansen, the former football pundit and player, is on the mend after a serious health scare landed him in hospital, his mate and ex-teammate Graeme Souness has shared.

Speaking to TalkSport, Souness said he had a chat with Hansen over the phone on Sunday evening and was pleased to hear him sounding chipper. He had previously expressed deep concern for Hansen during what he described as a "desperate time" for Alan's family.

"I spoke to him yesterday and he sounded fabulous so I hope that's him on the way to a full recovery," Souness remarked. "He's definitely back because he did nothing but take the Mickey out of me!".

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Hansen had been rushed to hospital in early June after becoming unwell. The ex-Match of the Day analyst received an outpouring of support from the football community following the announcement of his illness.

"I've been speaking to his son and Janet his wife and I've been phoning his phone, his phone number," Souness continued. "I got on the train on Sunday and I was looking for my seat and my phone rang and I could see it was Big Al.", reports the Mirror.

"I was thinking 'Oh no, don't answer that'. So I sat down and got the courage to phone back and HE answered the phone. He's been in a difficult place but the way he sounded yesterday, he's back, and I hope I'm right."

Gary Lineker and others paid heartfelt tributes to Alan Hansen during the BBC's coverage of Euro 2024's opening weekend. Lineker, who has been leading the hosting duties for the tournament, had frequent collaborations with Hansen on 'Match of the Day' until the Scot called it quits after the 2014 World Cup.

The club stated: "The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital," when the ex-defender was admitted to hospital.

Liverpool further praised Hansen saying: "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."

Known affectionately as "'Jocky', as he was known by teammates, 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."

by teammates, he holds a spot in the top 10 all-time appearances for the club, having played 620 matches, and also served as Liverpool's captain for four seasons.

The club added: "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."

They concluded: "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."

During the BBC coverage of Italy v Albania on Saturday, Gary Lineker expressed: "It's been a tough week for everyone associated with Match of the Day. The news that Alan Hansen was seriously ill in hospital shocked us all."

With heartache he continued: "We're thinking of you big man, we're with you and we're hoping and we're praying for you. We certainly are. Everyone at Match of the Day sends love and thoughts to Janet, Lucy and Adam and the grandchildren."

Channeling some hope, he further added:"To use an analogy from Alan's favourite pastime golf... You might be three down with four to play, but if anyone can come back from it, it's Alan. I've never known a more competitive person in my life. We're all with you big Al."

On hearing the update by Graeme Souness, fans expressed their relief on social media platforms. One stated: "Had feared the worst, so it really would be a lift for everyone if he's right,".

Another relieved fan commented: "Brilliant news. So pleased for him and his family. Well done Al," And a third follower couldn't hide his joy and exclaimed it as "Fantastic news".