Who is former Liverpool FC captain and BBC sports pundit Alan Hansen?

ALAN Hansen has had a stellar career both on and off the pitch.

On June 10, 2024, it was revealed that the legendary former Liverpool and Scotland defender is “seriously ill” in hospital.

Who is Alan Hansen and how old is he?

Alan is a former Scottish footballer and TV pundit.

He is best known for his time as a central defender with Liverpool FC and is regarded as one of the greatest Scots players of all time.

Born on June 13, 1955, he is currently 68 years old.

Is Alan Hansen married and does he have children?

Alan married his wife Janet Hansen in 1980.

The couple has two children together, a son named Adam and a daughter named Lucy.

Despite Alan's high-profile career, the family prefers to stay out of the spotlight as much as possible.

When did Alan Hansen play for Liverpool FC?

Alan made 620 appearances for Liverpool during a 14-year career at Anfield.

He won eight top-flight league titles and three European Cups after joining from Partick Thistle in 1977.

The defender spent four years as captain and his many appearances on the pitch place him in the top 10 among all Liverpool players.

He is celebrated for his exceptional skill and composure on the ball, both qualities which would have made him a star even in today's football world.

Alan also made 26 appearances for Scotland between 1979 and 1987.

After retiring in 1991, he appeared as a pundit on Match of the Day from 1992.

He worked alongside massive figures such as Des Lynam, Gary Lineker, Mark Lawrenson, Alan Shearer and Sir Trevor Brooking.

As a pundit, Alan is perhaps best known for his infamous "You can't win anything with kids" comment after a youthful Manchester United were smashed 3-1 by Aston Villa on the opening day of the 1995/96 season.

Of course, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side went on to claim the Premier League crown that season forever linking Alan's comments to the undeniable success of Manchester United.

The BBC were terrific, I loved the people and Match of the Day but I didn’t enjoy the nerves

Alan

Alan made his final appearance for the BBC during the 2014 World Cup final in Rio.

He later revealed that it was his nerves which made him retire after 22 years on the box.

He said: "After 22 years I kept on telling myself I wouldn’t get so nervous, but it got worse. That was one of the reasons I left. I was getting more nervous and I’d say: ‘What are you doing?’

"The BBC were terrific, I loved the people and Match of the Day but I didn’t enjoy the nerves."

What has happened to Alan Hansen?

On June 10, 2024, Merseyside Club reported that Alan is "seriously ill" in hospital.

In a statement, Liverpool said: "The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital.

"A defender of the utmost elegance, Hansen’s outstanding raft of honours across a 14-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.

"‘Jocky’, as he was known by teammates, is in the top 10 for all-time appearances for the club having played 620 matches, and the Scottish centre-back also served as Liverpool skipper for four seasons.

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

"We will provide any further updates as we receive them in due course, and we request that the Hansen family’s privacy is respected at this time."

His former MOTD co-host Gary Lineker posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, saying: "Horrendous news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family."