Graeme Souness gives emotional update on Alan Hansen after Liverpool legend's serious illness

Graeme Souness has shared some welcome news about Alan Hansen's health, indicating the Scotland and Liverpool icon is on the mend after being hospitalised with a serious illness.

Speaking to talkSPORT while in Germany for Euro 2024 coverage, Souness said: "I spoke to him yesterday and he sounded fabulous so I hope that's him on the way to a full recovery. He's definitely back because he did nothing but take the Mickey out of me."

The Rangers and Scotland legend continued, recounting his recent comversation with Hansen and his family: "I've been speaking to his son 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."

The news of Hansen's battle sparked concern across the footballing world with Liverpool among the clubs to offer their support. As Euro 2024 kicked off, Souness was joined by Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer in sending their best wishes to the iconic Scot.

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"I had the pleasure of playing with him, he was an absolute dream for a midfielder," said Souness. "He passed the ball at the right weight at the right angle at the right time. Just a super footballer. I believe he was the best footballing centre-half ever.

"I know that’s some statement but I really believe it. I saw it close-up, he was a real quality performer and as a human being, when people are ill people say they were great guys. I’m telling you, he was a great guy.

"You’d have to search a long, long way to find anyone who’s got a bad word to say about him and that takes some doing. His chat and banter was top-class, he was a pleasure to be around. He’s in the fight of his life right now and we should all say a little prayer to him."

Hansen had a glittering football career at Patrick Thistle and Liverpool but also forged a highly successful punditry career with BBC - becoming a stalwart for their flagship show Match of the Day.