Alan Hansen illness: Graeme Souness provides new crucial update on Liverpool legend

Graeme Souness has given a positive update on the health of Liverpool legend Alan Hansen, after Hansen was admitted to hospital earlier this month and was believed to be in critical condition.

Hansen, who played for Liverpool in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s, is still in hospital and was reportedly 'seriously ill'. Well wishes flooded in from former teammates and TV colleagues, with the likes of Gary Lineker, Steven Gerrard, Alan Shearer and Souness all posting messages of support for the 69-year-old.

READ MORE: Cesc Fabregas and Rio Ferdinand agree on Trent Alexander-Arnold in England opener

READ MORE: Gareth Southgate delivers telling verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold's midfield performance

Souness, who played alongside Hansen at Liverpool, has since given an encouraging update on the Scot, with Souness saying he believes Hansen 'is back' after chatting to him on the phone.

Speaking on the [Jim] White and [Simon] Jordan show, Souness said: "Under the weather is a bit of an understatement. I spoke to him yesterday, and he sounded fabulous, so I hope he's on the way to a full recovery.

""He's definitely on the way back because he did nothing but take the mick out of me, so he's definitely on the way back."

Souness continued: "I was speaking to his son [Adam] and his Janet his wife, and I'd been phoning his [Hansen's] phone number.

"I get on the train yesterday and I'm looking for my seat, and my phone rang and I could see it was Big Al.

"I'm thinking, 'Oh. I don't want to answer that,' so I sat down and then I 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."

Hansen had mainly retired from public view after leaving Match of the Day a decade ago, after more than 20 years on the programme. Hansen retired from playing in 1991 and soon thereafter took up a role as a pundit on the iconic British show.

Hansen and Souness played together at Anfield from 1977 to 1984, winning multiple league and European titles together.

Liverpool.com says: It's very positive news regarding Hansen's health, and let's all hope he continues to recover and we'll get to see him visiting Anfield in the very near future.