Alan Hansen has been seen on a golf course in a heart-warming sign that the Liverpool legend has recovered from his serious health scare. Last month, the 69-year-old was rushed into hospital after being taken seriously ill, prompting a flood of well-wishes from fans and former team-mates.
The ex-Match of the Day pundit spent a fortnight receiving treatment, during which period his family opted not to disclose details of his condition.
But on June 23, Liverpool FC released a statement on behalf of wife Janet and the couple’s two children, confirming Hansen had been released.
“Alan has been discharged from hospital today to continue his recovery at home,” it read. “Alan, Janet, Adam, Lucy and family would like to thank everybody for their wonderful messages of love and support.
“It has been overwhelming and has helped enormously. We also hugely appreciate the ongoing respect that has been shown for our privacy as Alan continues his recovery. Thank you.”
Hansen has now been seen in public for the first time since his ordeal. According to the Mirror, he was in good spirits while playing golf, and seen speaking happily with playing partners.
Hansen is still revered at Anfield, after making 614 appearances for Liverpool during a 14-year spell at Anfield between 1977 and 1991. He helped the club win eight top-flight titles and three European Cup crowns.
And during his stay in hospital, he was visited by another iconic former Red in Graeme Souness. His fellow Scot eased fears of fans by implying his friend was back to his normal self.
“I spoke to him a couple days ago. Anyone who’s met Alan Hansen, he has a wicked sense of humour so I’ve had two conversations with him in the last five, six days,” he explained to talkSPORT. “Both conversations were me on the receiving end of his humour, so that tells me he’s on the way back.”
Hansen back playing golf is certainly a sign that he’s close to a full recovery. The 26-cap international has made no secret of his love for the game, and spent many years as a single handicapper.
He previously revelaed he started playing golf at the age of seven. By 16, he had a handicap of two, and harboured ambitions of playing professionally before opting for a career in football.