England legend Terry Butcher sends heartbreaking message to Kevin Keegan and Kenny Daglish over cancer

Former England captain Terry Butcher has sent a message of support to his old foes Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish.

Butcher, 67, recalled his playing days against the two footballing legends in the 80s and 90s after both men spoke of being diagnosed with cancer. The former Three Lions defender, who captained England at Italia '90, said: "They are two icons of the game.

"Cancer can affect anyone. Kevin, Kenny, and I had some real battles over the years, they could be as hard as I was in those days. They are winners and fighters, and I hope they come out the other side." Terry paid tribute to the two men at a screening of the new documentary based on his life in London this week.

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One fan wrote of Keegan: "The only British player to win the Ballon d'Or twice and also a legend at every club he has played for. He has always come across as a genuine and lovely guy."

Another added: "An absolute hero of mine. An incredible player - try to find a video of his disallowed volley for Southampton .

"He would be worth £150m nowadays. He also managed the way we all would, it was full-on creative, attacking excitement. Love, KK."

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Fan Tony wrote on social media: "Best wishes, Kevin. If you're reading this, I still have the birthday card you signed for me in 1983. I was there at your first game as Newcastle manager, when the whole of St James' Park felt something special was beginning.

"You have given me some fantastic memories of my club. If anybody can beat this, it is you, mighty mouse!"

Steven Gerrard sent a message to Sir Kenny: "Sending our love Sir Kenny." Alan Shearer, whom Dalglish managed to the Premier League title at Blackburn in 1995, posted: "Everyone is with you Kenny."

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Terry, 67, was speaking at the screening of 'Butcher: Invisible Wounds,' a powerful documentary about his life and career and the tragic death of his son Chris in 2017. The former soldier suffered from severe post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in Afghanistan's notorious Helmand Province.

Chris, the eldest of Terry and wife Rita's three sons, served in the Royal Artillery and struggled desperately after leaving the forces. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of his death at their home in east Suffolk.

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An inquest found that he died of an abnormal enlargement of the heart combined with the effect of drugs against a background of PTSD. The coroner ruled the 35-year-old "became a victim of war" after tours of Iraq and Afghanistan .