Liverpool legend Alan Hansen celebrates emotional return to former club after health scare

Liverpool icon Alan Hansen was met with a wave of affection on his return to Partick Thistle following a health scare earlier in the year.

The Anfield great had a stint in hospital over the summer but was released in June and has since been spotted enjoying his favourite pastimes, including golf. On Saturday, however, the 69-year-old made a heartfelt comeback to Firhill, where his remarkable journey in football began.

Partick Thistle hosted a legends day, honouring their 1971 League Cup final heroes. As the match against Airdrieonians was about to kick off, Hansen, alongside his brother John, stepped onto the pitch to a warm applause from the supporters.

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The Hansen brothers were also seen holding up autographed jerseys during the celebration. Overwhelmed by the warm welcome, Hansen shared his elation at revisiting his old stomping ground.

"It feels sensational," he remarked. "It's great to be here, as I haven't been here in a long, long time. I've got so many happy memories, in particular with that team in '76, that team was fantastic. As soon as you went into the dressing room here, you just laughed and laughed. Thank you very much for having me here."

In a heartfelt note from Hansen's family, a Liverpool statement in June announced: "Alan has been discharged from hospital today to continue his recovery at home."

"We also hugely appreciate the ongoing respect that has been shown for our privacy as Alan continues his recovery. Thank you."

Hansen scored six times in 86 appearances for Patrick Thistle between 1973-1977, helping it to the Scottish First Division title in 1975–76.

He then moved to Liverpool ahead of the 1977-78 season and would go on to spend 13 campaign on Merseyside, racking up a remarkable 620 appearances for the Reds and winning 25 trophies - including eight First Division titles.

Following his retirement as a player in 1991, Hansen spent two decades as a pundit, primarily featuring on Match of the Day, and made his final appearance for the BBC during the World Cup final in Rio in July 2014.