Alan Hansen's family face 'desperate time' as close friend pens heartfelt message

Graeme Souness has openly shared his concerns for his close pal Alan Hansen, who is currently battling a serious illness in hospital.

Hansen, a Liverpool legend and respected football pundit, is receiving an outpouring of support from the football community as he fights to recover. Souness, deeply affected by his friend’s condition, has spoken warmly of Hansen, calling him “one of the good guys” during a recent interview.

The 71 year old football icon also expressed his heartfelt emotions while serving as an ITV pundit, following Scotland’s Euro 2024 loss to Germany.

As the football world sends its best wishes, Souness has revealed the depth of his concern in a heartfelt newspaper column. He penned in The Mail: “It’s a desperate time for his wife, Janet, his children, Adam and Lucy, and everybody who is close to him. I’m praying, I don’t know who to, but I’m praying that he will be around soon to return to his usual p***-taking duties.

“Alan is a rare breed in life, as I don’t know anyone who has a bad word to say about him. The best footballing centre back ever. He’s a rascal with a ruthless sense of humour. Great company, a great storyteller…and apparently a great memory.”

Souness also reflected fondly on their time together on the pitch. “That banter we had and that we used to share at Liverpool, those are days I wish I could live all over again,” he added.

“He is the best of men. I just can’t believe he is fighting for his life.”

The comments echoed Souness’ words on Friday on ITV. “Listen, I had the pleasure of playing with him, he was an absolute dream for a midfield player. He passed the ball at the right weight at the right time from the right angle,” he said during the broadcast.

“Just a super football player, I believe the best footballing centre-half ever. I know that’s some statement but I really believe that. I seen him close up and he was a real quality performer.

“And as a human being. You know when people are in trouble with illness people say ‘they’re a great guy’ or ‘they were a great guy’. I’m telling you, he was a great guy.”