Scotland squad ‘thinking of Alan Hansen’ days before Euro 2024 gets started… with Liverpool and national team legend seriously ill in hospital
The Scottish FA have sent their heartfelt wishes to national team icon Alan Hansen, who is in hospital undergoing a serious health battle.
Scotland will take part in the opening match of Euro 2024 this week, playing hosts Germany on Friday evening.
But their thoughts remain with Liverpool and Scotland legend Hansen, 68, who was admitted to hospital this weekend, prompting a number of supportive messages, including from the national team camp.
Assistant manager John Carver said: ‘I would like to pass on a message to say that everyone, the players, the staff, everyone associated with the SFA, is really thinking about themselves. [Hansen] and his family because it is an extremely difficult time.
‘The main thing that struck me was that he was a fantastic defender, but he was also a ball-playing centre-back. He was probably one of the first I can remember.
The Scottish FA extended its sincere wishes to Alan Hansen, who is seriously ill in hospital
Scotland assistant manager John Carver called Hansen ‘a true legend of the game’
Hansen won 26 Scotland caps and featured in their 1982 World Cup campaign in Spain
“The way he stepped out with the ball was so graceful and that’s why I remember him. He was clearly among the top in the world at the time, winning European Cups and winning everything in sight, so he was a true legend in the game.”
Hansen earned 26 caps for Scotland and featured in their 1982 World Cup campaign in Spain.
Liverpool announced on their social media channels on Sunday afternoon that Hansen was in hospital and that they are in direct contact with his family.
“The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital,” the club wrote on their official website.
After retiring as a player in 1991, he moved into science and became one of the country’s most popular broadcasters, particularly for his work on Match of the Day, remaining at the BBC until 2014.
Congratulations were posted on social media on Sunday evening, including from Hansen’s former Match of the Day colleague Gary Lineker.
Lineker said on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Horrible news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family.”
His old Liverpool partner Mark Lawrenson wrote: “Come on Big Al – you can beat this – Love to Janet, Adam, Lucy and the whole family.”
Hansen is much loved and well wishes were posted on social media on Sunday evening
Scotland will take on hosts Germany in the opening match of Euro 2024 on Friday evening
Meanwhile, former Crystal Palace striker Mark Bright also sent well wishes to Hansen, saying: ‘Wishing LFC legend Alan Hansen a speedy recovery, love and thoughts with Janet, Lucy and Adam.’
After their opening Group A match against Germany on Friday, Scotland will also take on Switzerland and Hungary in their bid to reach the knockout stages of the European Championships for the first time in their history.