Legendary former Liverpool captain Alan Hansen is “seriously ill in hospital”, the Merseyside club said in a statement on Sunday.

Hansen won 16 trophies during his 14-year spell at Liverpool, including eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups.

The defender, who joined Liverpool from Patrick Thistle in 1977, is in the top-10 for most appearances for the club and has been capped 26 times by Scotland.

“The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital,” Liverpool said in their statement.

“The club is currently in contact with Alan’s family to provide our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all of the Hansen family.

“We will provide any further updates as we receive them in due course, and we request that the Hansen family’s privacy is respected at this time.”