Graeme Souness paid an emotional tribute to Alan Hansen on ITV (Image: GETTY)
Graeme Souness struggled to hide his emotions as he spoke about his former Liverpool team-mate Alan Hansen ahead of Scotland's opening match at Euro 2024. It was confirmed last weekend that Hansen, who turned 69 yesterday, was 'seriously ill' in hospital.
Hansen made over 600 appearances for the Reds, helping them to win eight league titles and three European Cups as well as several domestic trophies. He went on to build a successful career in punditry, most notably featuring as a regular analyst on Match of the Day.
Durign the build-up to Scotland's opening game against Germany at Euro 2024, Souness was asked if there was anything he wanted to say about his former team-mate.
Hansen (right) helped Liverpool to win eight league titles and three European Cups (Image: GETTY)
"I had the pleasure of playing with him, he was an absolute dream for a midfielder," he said. "He passed the ball at the right weight at the right angle at the right time. Just a super footballer. I believe he was the best footballing centre-half ever.
"I know that’s some statement but I really believe it. I saw it close-up, he was a real quality performer and as a human being, when people are ill people say they were great guys. I’m telling you, he was a great guy.
"You’d have to search a long, long way to find anyone who’s got a bad word to say about him and that takes some doing. His chat and banter was top-class, he was a pleasure to be around. He’s in the fight of his life right now and we should all say a little prayer to him."
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Souness also spoke highly of Hansen during a recent appearance on talkSPORT, saying: "He wasn’t a colleague, he was a mate, a good friend, a proper friend. He’s a proper human being. It will be hard to find anyone say a bad word about him.
"He is one of life’s good guys and we’re all saying a prayer for him. I spoke to his wife, Janet, a few days ago and you can imagine the state he’s in, but I’m telling you, he’s one of the best guys you could meet, a proper human being in every sense."
Scotland will be hoping to do Hansen proud at the Euros by reaching the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in their history. After facing hosts Germany in their opening match, they will go up against Hungary and Switzlerland in Group A.
