Keegan, a Revered Figure Who Managed Newcastle United and Played for the Club, Died on 20 July After a Battle With Stage Four

TV presenter Declan Donnelly broke down in tears as he paid an emotional tribute to his 'childhood hero' Kevin Keegan, following the football legend's death at age 75. Keegan, a revered figure who managed Newcastle United and played for the club, died on 20 July after a battle with stage four cancer. Donnelly and his presenting partner Anthony McPartlin honoured Keegan on their podcast, Hanging Out With Ant And Dec, hailing him as a 'true legend to Newcastle United supporters. Donnelly said Keegan was the reason he got into football, comparing him to David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He recalled Keegan's 1982 signing for Newcastle as the start of his 'rollercoaster love affair' with the club. 'He was my childhood hero. When we got the news through last week, I was absolutely devastated, Donnelly said.

He added that Keegan meant so much to the people of the North East, giving them energy, enthusiasm, and hope. Donnelly, who met Keegan as a young boy after winning a competition, said: 'They say you should never meet heroes, but he was absolutely the exception. McPartlin described Keegan as a 'true legend' who saved the club when he returned as manager. "childhood hero"