Seriously ill Alan Hansen receives Liverpool message on 69th birthday

Liverpool Football Club has sent a heartfelt message to club legend Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital, on his 69th birthday.

Hansen was admitted to hospital late last week and has since received numerous messages of support.

As the Scottish footballer turned 69, Liverpool FC took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their thoughts: "We're all thinking of Alan and his family on his 69th birthday."

On Sunday, Liverpool confirmed Hansen's hospitalisation with a statement that 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."

Known as 'Jocky' by his teammates, Hansen is among the top 10 for all-time appearances for the club, having played 620 matches. The Scottish centre-back also served as Liverpool's captain for four seasons, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Liverpool FC is currently in contact with Hansen's family to offer support during this challenging time. The club stated: "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."

Further updates will be provided as they become available, and the club has requested that the privacy of the Hansen family be respected during this time.

Hansen is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders to have ever played for Liverpool, with a career spanning 13 seasons and 620 appearances, during which he netted 19 goals.

During his time at Anfield, he lifted an impressive 25 trophies, including eight league titles and three European Cups.

After taking over as captain in 1985, he led the team to numerous victories and after hanging up his boots, he carved out a successful career as a pundit, most notably on Match of the Day.