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Sir Kenny Dalglish tests positive for coronavirus

The 69-year-old is not showing any symptoms but will remain in hospital for treatment

Sir Kenny Dalglish was Liverpool manager at the time of the Hillsborough disaster
Image: Sir Kenny Dalglish won eight league championships and three European Cups as a player and manager at Liverpool

Former Liverpool player and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish has tested positive for coronavirus, the club has confirmed.

Dalglish was admitted to hospital on April 8 due to an infection "which required intravenous antibiotics", but was also tested for the virus, which "unexpectedly" came back positive despite him not showing any symptoms.

The 69-year-old, who won eight league championships and three European Cups while at Liverpool, will remain in hospital for further treatment.

"Prior to his admission to hospital, Sir Kenny had chosen to voluntarily self-isolate for longer than the advised period together with his family," said a statement from Dalglish's family on the Liverpool club website.

"He would urge everyone to follow the relevant government and expert guidance in the days and weeks ahead.

"He would like to take this opportunity to thank the brilliant NHS staff, whose dedication, bravery and sacrifice should be the focus of the nation's attention at this extraordinary time.

The statement added: "He would also ask that they are given the space to do their jobs during what is an extremely challenging time for them and that his own family's privacy is respected.

"He looks forward to being home soon. We will provide further updates as and when it is appropriate."

Former Liverpool football star Steven Gerrard applauds the fans after playing for Liverpool Legends against Australian Legends in an exhibition football game at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney on January 7, 2016.
Image: Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was among the well-wishers

Former Liverpool players Steven Gerrard , Ian Rush and Jamie Carragher led the well-wishes for Dalglish.

Gerrard and Carragher both played under Dalglish when he returned to manage Liverpool for a second stint between January 2011 and May 2012.

Former captain Gerrard posted a picture of one of his daughters alongside Dalglish on Instagram and wrote: "Get well soon king", in a nod to his old manager's nickname.

Carragher also wrote on Instagram: "Hopeful Kenny will be rid of the virus ASAP."

Dalglish's son Paul thanked the football community for its "truly humbling" support for his father, saying: "It's not my place to comment on my old man, he can do that for himself in due course.

"Truly humbling messages from supporters of all teams. I'm sure we can all agree this is more important than football & that we are all united to support the NHS. Stay safe everyone."

Kelly Cates, Dalglish's daughter, also posted on Twitter, adding: "Thank you so much for your lovely messages and I'm really sorry I can't reply to them all".

Former Liverpool striker Ian Rush also took to the social networking website to pay tribute to his former team-mate, who won the European Cup on three occasions during an illustrious playing career with the club.

Rush wrote: "Wishing a speedy recovery to the best...Sir Kenny Dalglish. Get well soon."

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