Kevin Keegan has shown he's lost none of his charm or fighting spirit, making a brilliant first public appearance since his cancer diagnosis with a typically witty response to recent events.

The 75-year-old Liverpool legend looked sharp and healthy in a promotional video for an upcoming event at Newcastle's Tyne Theatre, where he'll be discussing his career and life with Sky Sports presenter Pete Graves. Dressed smartly in a light grey suit and navy shirt, Keegan appeared every inch the football icon we remember.

What made the appearance even more poignant was his direct response to the cruel hoax that spread across social media recently. When Graves asked how he was doing, Keegan replied with perfect timing: "Still alive, thank you." It was classic Keegan - turning a horrible situation into a moment of levity whilst showing he's very much still here and fighting.

The false rumours had been particularly vicious, featuring a fake quote supposedly from the former England manager claiming he was hoping "to be at peace with my loved ones in these final days". For anyone who knows Keegan's character, the idea he'd make such a public statement was always questionable, but the malicious nature of the hoax showed just how low some people will sink.

Newcastle United had earlier confirmed Keegan's cancer diagnosis in a statement, but seeing him looking so well will be a massive relief to football fans everywhere. The man who lit up Anfield in the 1970s before going on to manage some of the biggest clubs in the country clearly isn't ready to hang up his boots just yet.

His affection for Newcastle came through strongly in the video too. "Really looking forward to going to Newcastle, obviously," Keegan said. "It's not my second home, it's my first home, really, as you know. When I'm going there, I'm always happy." That warmth and connection to places and people has always been part of what made him special.

Graves had announced the event five weeks earlier, revealing that whilst Keegan had been "going through a really tough time" and had "been very poorly", the good news was that "he has responded well to his treatment and he is feeling a lot better".

The presenter was careful to add that Keegan "is not out of the woods yet, but he is feeling strong enough to come out and see people, see his fans and tell his stories and relive wonderful memories, which he enjoys doing so much".

When the fake Facebook statement started doing the rounds, Graves was quick to shut it down. "I can confirm that this statement is fake and not true. Kevin's treatment is underway and he is responding well!" he posted, adding that "the family have requested privacy at this time" and that "Kevin has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of well wishes and kindness from fans around the world".

For Liverpool supporters, Keegan represents a golden era when football felt different. His energy, skill and sheer joy for the game helped define what it meant to be Red during some of our most memorable years. Seeing him looking healthy and keeping his sense of humour intact reminds us why he'll always hold a special place in our hearts.

The Newcastle event promises to be something special, giving fans the chance to hear directly from a true football legend who's shown once again that reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated.