Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has revealed he is receiving treatment for cancer after an accidental social media post led to the news becoming public.
The 75-year-old football icon, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Liverpool's history, issued a statement confirming his diagnosis and explaining that he had originally hoped to keep the matter private.
Dalglish addressed supporters after details emerged online, saying his hand had been forced by what he described as his own lack of technological expertise.
"As my inadvertent social media post has indicated, I am currently undergoing treatment for cancer," he said.
"Ideally, this would have remained private because that's the way it should be, but my useless technology skills have forced my hand.
"Obviously I did not mean to make this matter public so I would appreciate it if the privacy of my family and myself are respected."
Despite the difficult circumstances, Dalglish took time to praise the medical professionals caring for him during his treatment.
"As ever, thank you to the wonderful medical staff who have shown incredible care and discretion, not just for me but for many, many others," he added.
Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has revealed he is receiving treatment for cancer after an accidental social media post led to the news becoming public | GETTY"They are a credit to themselves."
The announcement prompted an outpouring of support from across football, with Liverpool quickly issuing a statement backing one of the club's most beloved figures.
"We are all with you Sir Kenny," Liverpool said.
"The support, best wishes and love of everyone at Liverpool FC are, and will be, with Sir Kenny and his family.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
"The club would also like to underscore his request for privacy moving forward."
Messages of encouragement also flooded in from family members, former players and current stars.
Dalglish's son Paul posted a heartfelt response, writing: "Love you Dad. You got this."
Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz responded with prayer and heart emojis, while former Reds favourite Georginio Wijnaldum also shared a message of support.
Few figures command as much respect at Anfield as Dalglish, whose influence on Liverpool stretches across generations.
After emerging through the ranks at Celtic, he established himself as one of Scottish football's finest talents, winning multiple league titles and domestic cups before making a historic move south of the border.
Sir Kenny Dalglish pictured with Alan Hansen in 2024
| PALiverpool paid a British record fee of £440,000 to sign Dalglish from Celtic in 1977, a transfer that would prove one of the most important in the club's history.
He went on to become a central figure during one of Liverpool's most successful eras, winning numerous major honours and cementing his place among the greatest players ever to wear the famous red shirt.
Dalglish later returned to lead the club as manager twice, with his first spell running from May 1985 to February 1991 before he came back in January 2011 to lead the team until May 2012.
The 75-year-old also won the Premier League title with Blackburn before leaving his post at Ewood Park in June 1995.