The footballing world is rallying around two-time Ballon d’or winner Kevin Keegan this week after the England legend revealed he is fighting stage four cancer.

It is the most advanced form of the disease, and means it has spread to other organs and tissues of the body.

Back in January, the 75-year-old was admitted to hospital with ‘ongoing abdominal problems’ and it was during this period when the original cancer diagnosis was confirmed. The latest news however is a hammer-blow to his legion of fans and admirers who had desperately hoped he may be responding well to treatment.

Imperious and adored: A king of several cities

It was the former Newcastle and England manager himself who disclosed the information, speaking at a function in the North-East at the weekend.

"They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer," he said, per the Daily Mail.

“He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn't be walking alone, if you know what I mean."

Keegan went on to share the subsequent conversation with the specialist, who stated he had a ‘33% strike-rate’ when committing to the new type of treatment.

He ended with a sobering comment.

“I’m still here at the moment.”

Later in the evening, the former forward – who won league titles in both England and Germany – declared a strong desire to return to St James Park next season to ‘say goodbye’ to a Newcastle public who adore him still. Not only did he transform the Magpies as a player in the Eighties, he then set about doing so again as manager a decade later, making Newcastle everyone’s second favourite team for their swashbuckling brand of attacking football.

In the dug-out he also excelled at Manchester City and Fulham, getting both to produce fabulously entertaining fare.

But it was as a player when all the trophies were won, rather than hearts.

Across a 16-year playing career, Keegan won three league crowns with Liverpool before inspiring Hamburg to a rare Bundesliga title. It was around this imperious period when he won back-to-back Ballon d’Or honours gaining nearly a quarter of the overall votes in 1978 and 30% of them a year later.

A fearsome forward who combined inventiveness and industry, Keegan’s sublime skillset brought him enormous fame, along with a heightened level of popularity that has never wavered through the years.

Earlier this week Newcastle United released an official statement via social media. It read:

“We send our heartfelt support and warmest wishes to Kevin Keegan and his family following his recent diagnosis of stage four cancer.

Kevin holds a unique and cherished place in the history of Newcastle United, and in the hearts of our supporters. His passion, leadership and connection to the club and city have shaped some of our most memorable moments.

Everyone at the club is behind Kevin and sends strength and best wishes to him and his family for the journey ahead.

Kevin will always be warmly welcomed at St. James' Park and we hope to see him again soon.”