Dalglish’s son thanks well-wishers after Liverpool legend gets virus

Former Liverpool and Scotland footballer and manager Kenny Dalglish watches the action during the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg football match between Liverpool and Villarreal CF at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on May 5, 2016. (Photo by OLI SCARFF / AFP)

Kenny Dalglish’s son thanked the world of football for the “truly humbling” messages of support that poured in after the Liverpool legend tested positive for the coronavirus.

Dalglish found he had the virus after being admitted to hospital on Wednesday for treatment for a separate infection which required intravenous antibiotics.

The 69-year-old Scot’s family said on Friday he is not showing symptoms of the disease, but Liverpool fans, current players and old stars were quick to send him their best wishes.

Dalglish’s son Paul responded on Twitter, writing: “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 and that we are all united to support the NHS. Stay safe everyone.”

Dalglish’s daughter, Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates, also shared a message of thanks to fans for their kind words and well wishes.

“Thank you so much for your lovely messages and I’m really sorry I can’t reply to them all,” she tweeted.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker said on Twitter: “Love from Becker family to Sir Kenny Dalglish!!”

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher tweeted: “Hopeful Kenny will be rid of the virus ASAP.”

Ian Rush formed a prolific partnership with Dalglish during their playing days at Liverpool and the Welshman took to Twitter to give his old team-mate his best wishes.

“Wishing a speedy recovery to the best…Sir Kenny Dalglish. Get well soon,” he wrote.

Blackburn, who Dalglish led to the Premier League title as manager in 1995, said: “Everyone at Rovers would like to send their love and best wishes to Sir Kenny Dalglish and his family.”

Dalglish won the Scottish league title with Celtic as a player on four occasions before signing for Liverpool in 1977.

At Anfield, he captured eight English league titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and three European Cups as a player and in two managerial spells.

In his Liverpool playing career, he scored 172 goals in 515 games.

As well as his role in Liverpool’s golden era in the 1970s and 1980s, Dalglish received plaudits for supporting victims’ families after 96 fans died in the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster.