Alan Hansen seriously ill in hospital as Liverpool highlight "utmost elegance"

During a glittering 14-year stint in Liverpool colours from 1977 to 1991, Hansen was a cornerstone of the domineering Reds team of the 1980s, winning no fewer than a whopping 25 major honours.

The Scotsman's accolades with Liverpool include eight First Division titles and three European Cups, in addition to four League Cups, two FA Cups, six Charity Shields, one Football League Super Cup and a UEFA Super Cup.

Scorer of 14 goals and assister of 19 more in 620 matches from the Liverpool backline, Hansen sits 10th in the Reds' all-time appearance list and became a recognisable pundit after retiring in 1991, regularly appearing on BBC's Match of the Day.

In a statement, Liverpool confirmed that the 68-year-old had been taken seriously ill and they were in close contact with his family, while stating that any updates would be communicated as and when possible.

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

'Hansen was a defender of the utmost elegance'

"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."

In addition to his tremendous feats with Liverpool, Hansen - who began his senior career with Partick Thistle - won 26 caps for the Scotland national team and represented his nation at the 1982 World Cup.

The three-time European champion was named in the PFA First Division Team of the Year on six occasions, and he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2006.