Liverpool legend Alan Hansen given hero’s welcome at old club after health scare

Alan Hansen received a hero’s welcome as he headed back to Partick, the club where he began his professional career, following his health scare several months ago

Alan Hansen was given a hero’s welcome when he returned to his former club, Partick, following his health scare over the summer.

The Scottish legend fell seriously ill over the summer and had to be admitted to hospital for treatment. He was able to leave a fortnight later as those around the game breathed a huge sigh of relief. Hansen has been able to resume his normal life, taking part in activities like golf.

And on Saturday the 69-year-old was back at the club where he began his career. The Scottish outfit were hosting a legends day for the match with several of their 1971 League Cup final-winning team present at Firhill. It allowed fans the chance to pay a warm welcome to Hansen and co.

Before kick-off both Alan Hansen and his brother, John, were invited onto the pitch and welcomed with applause from around the ground before their Scottish Championship clash against Airdrieonians – which they went on to win narrowly. Both the Hansen brothers posed with signed shirts at Firhill.

Hansen was thrilled be to back at Patrick, where he spent four years as a player. “It feels sensational,” he said. “It’s great to be here, as I haven’t been here in a long, long time. I’ve got so many happy memories, in particular with that team in ’76, that team was fantastic. As soon as you went into the dressing room here, you just laughed and laughed. Thank you very much for having me here.”

He moved to Liverpool from Partick in 1977, spending the next 14 years at Anfield as they dominated the old Division One as well as the European Cup. Hansen remains a hugely iconic figure on Merseyside, playing more than 600 times for the club.

After calling it a day as a player he spent two decades as a pundit, largely with Match of the Day. He became known for the infamous phrase “you can’t win anything with kids” when Manchester United bought through their Class of 92 – only for Hansen to be proved wrong.

He made his final appearance for the BBC during the World Cup final in Rio in July 2014 after 22 years on screen. His former Liverpool team-mate and still long-time friend Graeme Souness lauded Hansen as a player and a person after he began to make a full recovery.

He said: “I believe he was the best footballing centre-half ever. And I know that is some statement but I really believe that. I saw it first hand he was a really quality performer and a great human being.”

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