Alan Hansen sent heartfelt birthday message by Liverpool as Scotland legend continues hospital battle

Alan Hansen has been sent a heartfelt birthday message by his former club Liverpool as he continues to fight for his life in hospital.

The Scotland legend, who turned 69 today, was admitted to hospital earlier this week with a serious illness and was receiving critical care treatment.

On Sunday the Anfield club confirmed that one all their all-time greats was "seriously ill" as they offered full support to his family.

Today the Club paid another moving tribute to their famous captain by sending their thoughts to him on his birthday.

Liverpool FC posted a digital birthday card on their social media, with a short statement that reads: "We’re all thinking of Alan and his family on his 69th birthday."

Former Reds Hansen, lifted eight league title and three European Cups during a legendary stint in Merseyside.

The classy centre back also starred 26 times for Scotland and plied his trade at Partick Thistle helping them onto a First Division win and promotion.

Hansen was also a popular pundit on BBC's Match of the Day, with former colleague Gary Leineker this week leading messages of well-wishes and support.

The MOTD this week posted on social media, saying: "Horrendous news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family."

Tributes also poured in from Scotland's Euro 2024 base camp in Bavaria, with assistant John Carver telling reporters in Germany: Assistant John Carver said: “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 and his family because it is an extremely difficult time.

“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.”

On Sunday, Liverpool released a statement on behalf of Hansen's family, issuing an update on his health which 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 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.

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."

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