Match of the Day legend Alan Hansen looks in great spirits as Prince William awards him with MBE, just nine months after he was ‘seriously ill’ in hospital
- Former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen was awarded an MBE at Windsor Castle
- It comes after a worrying summer which saw the Liverpool legend hospitalised
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Match of the Day legend Alan Hansen accepted his MBE from Prince William on Tuesday, looking in good health and even better spirits just nine months after his health scare.
The former Scotland defender was formerly made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to football and broadcasting at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Hansen, who won three European Cups, eight league titles, two FA Cups and three League Cups in 620 appearances for Liverpool, shared a laugh with the future King before beaming as he stood for photographs after receiving the prize.
It comes after the Reds legend was hospitalised for two weeks in June as he was seriously ill, before being discharged to continue his recovery at home.
There was an outpouring of love in the summer when people heard about his ill health and plenty of relief when he was discharged.
Gary Lineker was among those who reacted with delight, describing it as ‘the best news ever’.
The former Scotland defender Alan Hansen was formerly made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to football and broadcasting
Hansen looked in good health and even better spirits as he received the award from Prince William
Former England boss Glenn Hoddle said: ‘What great news that Alan Hansen is out of hospital and at home. Take it easy big man.’
Ex-Liverpool striker John Aldridge also commented: ‘Great news to see you my old mate Alan (Jockey) Hansen has been released from hospital.’
Former team-mate Graeme Souness meanwhile told talkSPORT: ‘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.
‘Both conversations were me on the receiving end of his humour, so that tells me he’s on the way back.’
After his playing career, Hansen made a smooth transition to punditry. He rejected the offer of going into management before pursuing a career in broadcasting, where he would take up positions with Sky and BBC Radio 5 Live.
He subsequently joined up with 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 his criticism of defenders, having played the position himself.
He also famously declared ‘you can’t win anything with kids’ after Manchester United lost 3-1 to Aston Villa in their opening game of the 1995-96 season – though the Red Devils did go on to lift the Premier League that season.
Hansen joined up with BBC Match of the Day as a co-host in 1992 before leaving the show in 2014. Pictured: Hansen alongside Gary Lineker in 2008
Alan Hansen (right, with brother John) received a standing ovation on his Partick Thistle return
He stepped away from punditry after the 2014 World Cup, but has remained involved in the game by regularly attending matches at Anfield in recent years to watch his beloved Liverpool.
In October, the 69-year-old made an emotional return to Partick Thistle where he launched his illustrious career.
He received a standing ovation as he reunited with former team-mates at Scottish Championship club’s Firhill Stadium.
Hansen launched his career at Partick Thistle and won the Scottish First Division in 1975-76 before moving to Anfield.
