15 June 2024 , 13:36
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Graeme Souness has admitted he has been praying for Alan Hansen to return to good health as his friend remains in a serious condition in hospital.
Hansen, who won multiple titles with Liverpool during his playing career, has been in hospital after falling ill. The footballing world has joined in sending messages of support for the Scot, who also became a fan favourite for his punditry work on Match of the Day. Souness considers Hansen a good friend, and described his compatriot as "one of the good guys" when speaking on Friday. Te 71-year-old also paid tribute to Hansen when appearing as an ITV pundit for the coverage of Scotland's Euro 2024 defeat to Germany.
The thoughts of many will remain with Hansen. That includes Souness, who shared his feelings about his friend in greater depth in a newspaper column. "It's a desperate time for his wife, Janet, his children, Adam and Lucy, and everybody who is close to him," Souness wrote for The Mail. "I'm praying, I don't know who to, but I'm praying that he will be around soon to return to his usual p***-taking duties.
"Alan is a rare breed in life, as I don't know anyone who has a bad word to say about him. The best footballing centre back ever. He's a rascal with a ruthless sense of humour. Great company, a great storyteller...and apparently a great memory." Souness also reflected fondly on their time together on the pitch. "That banter we had and that we used to share at Liverpool, those are days I wish I could live all over again," he added. "He is the best of men. I just can't believe he is fighting for his life."
The comments echoed Souness' words on Friday on ITV. “Listen, I had the pleasure of playing with him, he was an absolute dream for a midfield player. He passed the ball at the right weight at the right time from the right angle," he said during the broadcast. “Just a super football player, I believe the best footballing centre-half ever. I know that’s some statement but I really believe that. I seen him close up and he was a real quality performer.
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Souness and Hansen won trophies together at Liverpool (Icon Sport via Getty Images)“And as a human being. You know when people are in trouble with illness people say ‘they’re a great guy’ or ‘they were a great guy’. I’m telling you, he was a great guy."
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