Alan Hansen released from hospital as Liverpool legend's family send emotional message

Liverpool FC have confirmed Alan Hansen has been released from hospital to continue his recovery from home.

Former Reds captain Hansen, who turned 69 on June 13, has been hospitalised since being taken seriously ill earlier this month.

Graeme Souness delivered a hugely encouraging update on Hansen's condition last week, revealing he had spoken to his close friend on the phone and was given cause for optimism, saying he "sounded fabulous" and he was "definitely on the way back".

READ MORE: One of Arne Slot's biggest contract worries for Liverpool might now be over

READ MORE: Arne Slot already has five Liverpool dilemmas to solve as Euro 2024 problems emerge

And now the club themselves have revealed their former captain has been discharged in a statement on social media on Sunday afternoon.

In a message sent on behalf of Hansen's family, a Liverpool statement 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. Thank you."

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday afternoon, Anfield stadium announcer Sephton also said he had been informed that Hansen has now been released from hospital.

"Just been told by a reliable source that Alan Hansen has been released from Hospital!" Mr Sephton posted.

"I spoke to him yesterday (June 16) and he sounded fabulous so I hope that’s him on the way to a full recovery," Souness told talkSPORT. "He’s definitely back because he did nothing but take the mick out of me, so he's definitely on the way back!

“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 phoned. He’s been in a difficult place but the way he sounded yesterday, he’s back, and I hope I’m right.”

In a statement confirming Hansen's hospitalisation June 9, Liverpool FC said: "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 revered as one of the finest defenders in Anfield history after winning eight league titles, two FA Cups and three European Cups during a decorated 14 years with the Reds.