Graeme Souness delivers a major Alan Hansen health update after ‘fabulous’ phone call with his old team-mate who has been fighting for his life in hospital

Graeme Souness has revealed he spoke to his friend and former Liverpool teammate Alan Hansen, claiming he ‘sounded fantastic’ and hopes he is now on the road to a full recovery.

Reds and Scotland legend Hansen was admitted to hospital last week, prompting a number of supportive messages from club and country, as well as those he worked with as a pundit.

Souness, who recently described Hansen as a ‘dream for a midfielder’, told the Mail Sport he was praying for his former colleague and eager for the return of his ‘usual duties’.

And on Monday he provided an update on his condition, revealing he was in talks with his son, wife Janet and Hansen himself.

‘I spoke to him yesterday and he sounded fantastic, so I hope he’s on the road to a full recovery.’ Souness told talkSPORT. “He’s definitely back because he did nothing but take the Mickey out of me!”

Tributes were paid to the Liverpool legend following the news that he was reportedly taken to hospital

Souness and Hansen celebrate after winning the top title with Liverpool in 1983

“I talked to his son and Janet, his wife, and I called his phone, his phone number. I boarded the train on Sunday and looked for my seat. My phone rang and I saw it was Big Al.

‘I thought, “Oh no, don’t answer that.” So I sat down and got up the courage to call back and he answered. He’s had a tough time, but the way he sounded yesterday, he’s back, and I hope I’m right.”

News of Hansen’s condition prompted an outpouring of well wishes from across the football world. Ahead of the start of the BBC’s Euro 2024 coverage, his former Match of the Day co-host Gary Lineker paid an emotional tribute.

Hansen worked on the BBC television show for twenty years.

“It’s been a tough week for everyone involved in Match of the Day,” Lineker said on Saturday evening ahead of Italy’s meeting with Albania.

Turning to his colleague Alan Shearer, he added: ‘The news that Alan Hansen was seriously ill in hospital shocked us all, didn’t it Alan?’

The former Newcastle striker responded: “Oh absolutely. We are good friends with Al, we know his character, we know he is a fighter, we know how strong he is.

Shearer added: “We are thinking of you great man and we are with you, we hope and we pray for you.”

Lineker added: “Everyone at Match of the Day is sending love and thoughts to Janet, Lucy and Adam and the grandchildren.

‘To use an analogy with Alan’s favorite pastime, golf: he may be three down and four to play, but if anyone can come back from it, it’s Alan. I have never known a more competitive person in my life. We’re all with you, big Al.”

Hansen started his football career with Sauchie in Scotland before moving on to play for Partick Thistle in 1973. He would join Liverpool in 1977 and make 614 appearances for the Merseyside side, returning 14 goals and 19 assists before retiring in 1991. .

The Scot (pictured) would retire in 1991 and begin a career in broadcasting, where he would co-host Match of the Day

Souness and Hansen spent six seasons together at Anfield, where they won five league titles and three European Cups

Hansen (right) had a brilliant career, with Liverpool winning the First Division eight times

The 69-year-old turned down the offer to move into management before pursuing a career in broadcasting, where he would take up positions at Sky and BBC Radio 5 Live.

He then joined BBC Match of the Day as co-host in 1992 before leaving the show in 2014 after covering sixteen FA Cup finals, six World Cups, five European Championships and one Olympic Games with the BBC.

Liverpool Football Club sent their well wishes to Hansen, writing on the club’s website: ‘The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital.’

‘He is a defender of the utmost elegance. Hansen’s stellar run of trophies during a fourteen-year spell with the Reds – he joined from Partick Thistle in 1977 – included eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups.’

‘Jockey’, as he was known by teammates, is in the top 10 of all-time appearances for the club, having made 620 appearances, and the Scottish centre-back also captained Liverpool for four seasons.

‘The club is currently in contact with Alan’s family to offer our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all the Hansen family.’