Alan Hansen discharged from hospital as Liverpool legend continues recovery from illness

Liverpool has confirmed Alan Hansen has been released from hospital. The legendary former defender, who celebrated his 69th birthday on 13 June, has been in hospital after being taken seriously ill.

A statement from the club read: "Alan has been discharged from hospital today to continue his recovery at home. 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."

In a post on Sunday afternoon, Anfield stadium announcer George Sephton tweeted: "Just been told by a reliable source that Alan Hansen has been released from Hospital! " Despite there being no official confirmation, the Liverpool ECHO reports that Hansen is indeed making good progress in his recovery.

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Former teammate Graeme Souness was upbeat about his friend's condition last week and said on talkSPORT this week that Hansen: "sounded fabulous" and was "definitely on the way back".

Souness recalled his conversation with the former Reds captain, stating: "I spoke to him [on June 16] and he sounded fabulous so I hope that's him on the way to a full recovery." He confirmed his friend's spirit by recalling Hansen taking the mick out of him.

"I've been speaking to his son (Adam) and Janet his wife and I've been phoning his phone, his phone number. 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. 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."

Liverpool confirmed Hansen was in hospital on June 9, stating: "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."

Hansen is celebrated as one of the greatest defenders in Anfield history, having won eight league titles, two FA Cups and three European Cups during his illustrious 14 years with the Reds.