Liverpool legend, Sir Kenny Dalglish, has tested positive for coronavirus and is being treated in hospital.
Dalglish is the club’s greatest player and won every domestic trophy during two spells as manager. He was admitted to hospital on Wednesday for treatment on a different condition but, as is now standard practice, he was assessed for COVID-19.
His family issued a statement to reassure that he is not in a critical condition, but the news of the diagnosis will inevitably leave Liverpool supporters anxious for his well-being.
The statement read: ‘Sir Kenny was admitted to hospital on Wednesday 8 April for treatment of an infection which required intravenous antibiotics.
‘In keeping with current procedures, he was subsequently tested for COVID-19 despite having previously displayed no symptoms of the illness.
Unexpectedly, the test result was positive but he remains asymptomatic. ‘Prior to his admission to hospital, Sir Kenny had chosen to voluntarily self isolate for longer than the advised period together with his family.
He would urge everyone to follow the relevant government and expert guidance in the days and weeks ahead.
‘He would like to take this opportunity to thank the brilliant NHS staff, whose dedication, bravery and sacrifice should be the focus of the nation’s attention at this extraordinary time.
‘He would also ask that they are given the space to do their jobs during what is an extremely challenging time for them and that his own family’s privacy is respected.
‘He looks forward to being home soon. We will provide further updates as and when it is appropriate.’
Fellow Liverpool icon, Steven Gerrard, paid tribute to his former manager on Instagram on Friday evening, with the legendary midfielder posting a photo of Dalglish alongside the caption ‘Get well soon King’.
Blackburn Rovers, who Dalglish steered to the Premier League title in 1995, also said: ‘Everyone at Rovers would like to send their love and best wishes to Sir Kenny Dalglish and his family.’
Kelly Cates, Dalglish’s daughter and renowned presenter, tweeted: ‘Thank you so much for your lovely messages and I’m really sorry I can’t reply to them all.’
- Daily Mail
