Kevin Keegan: World of football mourns loss of 'indomitable spirit'
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Kevin Keegan transcended football with his status as well as winning the hearts of manyThe world of football have come together to mourn the loss of the legendary forward Kevin Keegan. His pedigree in the game is not only cemented by his long list of trophies and accolades, but also by the fact he remains the only Englishman to have ever won the Ballon d'Or more than once.He was brought to Liverpool by Bill Shankly in 1971 where he struck up a formidable partnership with Welshman John Toshack, going on to win the First Division title three times as well as the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup twice and the 1977 European Cup.After his decorated time on Merseyside, he made a shock move to West German side Hamburg and was twice named European Footballer of the Year, now named the Ballon d'Or.Keegan returned to England with Southampton in the summer of 1980 before moving to Second Division Newcastle, helping the club win promotion back to the top flight – only to then retire.
He won 63 England caps, scoring 21 goals, playing at the 1982 World Cup and was also later captain of the national team.He returned to the game he loved by taking over Newcastle in 1992 where he led them to the Premier League and came within touching distance of winning the league. He went on to manage Fulham and then England, where he oversaw a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign before resigning.A spell at Manchester City followed and then an emotional, albeit short, return to Newcastle where he departed after just eight months following tensions with owner Mike Ashley.In an emotional tribute, Liverpool FC said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss.
His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on."Newcastle also shared a deeply touching tribute where the club explained Keegan was more than an exceptional player and manager.They said: "Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was so much more than an Entertainer."Former club Hamburger SV said: "With Kevin Keegan, world football loses one of its most defining personalities.