- Alan Hansen received a standing ovation from his former Partick Thistle fans
- It comes after a worrying summer in which the Liverpool legend was hospitalized
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Alan Hansen enjoyed an emotional return to the club where he launched his illustrious career on Saturday.
The 69-year-old received a standing ovation when he was reunited with his former team-mates at Scottish Championship club Partick Thistle’s Firhill Stadium.
It comes after the Liverpool legend was hospitalized for two weeks in June because he was seriously ill, before being discharged to continue his recovery at home. Since then he has been recovering and playing golf.
Hansen launched his career at Partick Thistle and won the Scottish First Division in 1975-76 before moving to Liverpool.
He remained there from 1977 to 1991, playing 620 games and becoming captain. He won no less than 25 trophies at Anfield, including eight First Division titles and three European Cups.
Alan Hansen (right, with brother John) received a standing ovation on his return to Partick Thistle.
He was released from the hospital over the summer after becoming seriously ill in June.
Hansen (pictured alongside Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish) was admitted to hospital on June 9 and had to fight for his life.
Hansen attended the 2-1 win over Airdrieonians on Saturday with his brother John and was delighted to enjoy the occasion.
The start was delayed 40 minutes due to a linesman being injured and, quite correctly, football magazine Scotland Epistles claimed that it had been 40 years since Hansen had been at Firhill.
“It feels sensational,” Hansen said. “It’s great to be here as I haven’t been here in a long, long time.
“I have so many happy memories, particularly with that team in ’76, that team was fantastic.
‘As soon as you walked into the locker room, you laughed and laughed. Thank you very much for inviting me here.’
After his playing career, Hansen made a smooth transition to expert. He turned down the offer of a management position before pursuing a career in broadcasting, where he would hold positions at Sky and BBC Radio 5 Live.
He subsequently joined BBC Match of the Day as a co-host in 1992 before leaving the show in 2014 having covered 16 FA Cup finals, six World Cups, five European Championships and one Olympic Games with the BBC.
During this time, Hansen became known for his sharp analytical mind and criticism of defenders, having played the position himself.
The Liverpool legend (second from right during his playing days) won 25 trophies on Merseyside
He also declared that “you can’t win anything with children” after Manchester United lost 3-1 to Aston Villa in their first match of the 1995-96 season, although the Red Devils reached the Premier League that season.
He drifted away from the pundits after the 2014 World Cup but has remained involved in the game, regularly attending matches at Anfield in recent years to watch his beloved Liverpool.
There was great love in the summer when people learned of his ill health and great relief when he was discharged.
Gary Lineker was one of those who reacted with joy and described it as “the best news ever.”
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle said: “What great news that Alan Hansen is out of hospital and home.” Take it easy, big guy.
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge also commented: “It’s great news to see you, my old friend Alan (Jockey) Hansen has been released from hospital.”
Meanwhile, former team-mate Graeme Souness told talkSPORT: “I spoke to him a couple of days ago. Anyone who has met Alan Hansen has a tremendous sense of humor so I’ve had two conversations with him in the last five or six days.
“In both conversations I was the one on the receiving end of his humor, which tells me he’s on the way back.”
