Leeds United's Sean Longstaff pays tribute to Newcastle United 'legend' Kevin Keegan following death aged 75
The Leeds United midfielder grew up supporting Newcastle United where Kevin Keegan became a legend.
Leeds United midfielder Sean Longstaff has paid tribute to Newcastle United ‘legend’ Kevin Keegan following his death aged 75.
Keegan’s family released a statement on Monday afternoon saying the former England captain and manager had passed away surrounded by his wife and daughters. He revealed in June he had stage four cancer.
Tributes poured in from across the globe for Keegan, who twice won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979. The attacking midfielder was loved at all his former clubs, most notably Newcastle who he both played for and managed.
Newcastle labelled Keegan ‘one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history’. And Longstaff, who joined Leeds from the Magpies last summer, also shared a heart-warming message.
Quoting Newcastle’s post on X, Longstaff wrote: “A legend who did so much for @nufc and truly lived up to the name ‘King Kev’. You will be missed!”
Longstaff’s current club Leeds also paid tribute to Keegan, who was involved in some infamous moments against the Whites. He starred for a 1970’s Liverpool outfit that were often challenging for domestic and European honours with Don Revie’s side.
A statement from Leeds United read: “Everyone at Leeds United is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan. We send our thoughts and condolences to Kevin’s family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace, Kevin.”
The statement on behalf of Keegan’s family read: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
“A double Ballon d’Or winner, Kevin was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”