CELTIC legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has revealed that he is battling cancer.
The 75-year-old Hoops great has confirmed the news in a statement released by Liverpool, where he spent nearly 20 years as player and manager after leaving Parkhead.
Capped a record 102 times by Scotland, Dalglish admitted he had mistakenly given an update on his health via social media before deciding to officially confirm the diagnosis.
Dalglish said: “As my inadvertent social media post has indicated, I am currently undergoing treatment for cancer. Unlike my mobile phone use, the treatment is going well.
LEGEND IN FULL FLIGHT…Kenny Dalglish combines the artistry and determination that made him a club icon at Celtic.
“Ideally, this would have remained private because that’s the way it should be, but my useless technology skills have forced my hand.
“Obviously, I did not mean to make this matter public so I would appreciate it if the privacy of my family and myself are respected.
“As ever, thank you to the wonderful medical staff who have shown incredible care and discretion, not just for me but for many, many others. They are a credit to themselves.”
The SFA posted a message on social media, stating: “Supporting you all the way, Kenny.”
Dalglish is also the joint-top goalscorer in Scotland’s history after scoring 30 goals for his country, an honour he shares with another icon, Denis Law.
CHEERS…Kenny Dalglish celebrates a Celtic goal against Dundee at Dens Park during his caretaker stint as manager in the second half of the 1999/2000 this season.
He won nine honours at Celtic – four titles, four Scottish Cups and one League Cup – and scored 167 goals goals in 320 appearances before his £440,000 move to Liverpool in 1977.
Dalglish took over as the club captain after another Hoops great, European Cup-winning onfield leader Billy McNeill, retired following the Scottish Cup triumph over Airdrie in 1975.
He returned to Parkhead as director of football alongside his one-time Anfield team-mate John Barnes in the summer of 1999.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work out and Barnes was sacked after the infamous home Scottish Cup loss to Inverness Caley Thistle in February.
Dalglish took over as caretaker boss and led the club to a 2-0 League Cup Final victory over Aberdeen in March 2000.
He stepped aside when Martin O’Neill was unveiled as manager three months later.
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