Liverpool legend Alan Hansen discharged from hospital following 'serious' illness

The Reds announced two weeks ago that the former centre-back was "seriously ill", paying tribute to Hansen's "utmost elegance" before a plethora of well-wishes flooded in.

Former teammate and pundit Graeme Souness was among those keeping in touch with Hansen, and he revealed a couple of days ago that the 69-year-old was on the mend.

"I spoke to him a couple days ago. Anyone who's met Alan Hansen, he has a wicked sense of humour so I've had two conversations with him in the last five, six days," Souness told talkSPORT on Friday. "Both conversations were me on the receiving end of his humour, so that tells me he's on the way back."

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer were also among the former professionals to send their best to Hansen, who was a fundamental figure in the Liverpool team during their extremely successful period in the 1980s.

Following Souness's positive update, Liverpool released a statement from the Hansen family on Sunday afternoon announcing that the Scotsman was out of hospital and is continuing his recovery at home.

Hansen family 'overwhelmed' by messages of support

"Alan has been discharged from hospital today to continue his recovery at home," the statement read. "Alan, Janet, Adam, Lucy and family would like to thank everybody for their wonderful messages of love and support.

"It has been overwhelming and has helped enormously. We also hugely appreciate the ongoing respect that has been shown for our privacy as Alan continues his recovery. Thank you."

After coming through the ranks at Partick Thistle, Hansen joined Liverpool in 1977 and enjoyed 14 illustrious years at Anfield, collecting a total of 25 major trophies and playing 620 matches, the 10th-most for the men's team.

Hansen was a part of eight First Division-winning teams, in addition to clinching three European Cups, two FA Cups, four League Cups, six Charity Shields, a UEFA Super Cup and a Football League Super Cup.

The 69-year-old registered 14 goals and 19 assists in Liverpool colours and was a six-time member of the PFA First Division Team of the Year, as well as being inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

At international level, Hansen played 26 times for the Scotland senior team and featured in every minute of their 1982 World Cup campaign, his only major tournament for his country.