Alan Hansen pictured for first time since fighting for his life in hospital

Liverpool great Alan Hansen has been pictured playing golf , marking a miraculous comeback after he was hospitalized amid fears for his life.

Liverpool announced Hansen was seriously ill in the hospital at the beginning of June. A statement read: "The club is currently in contact with Alan’s family to provide our support at this difficult time. 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."

Graeme Souness admitted he feared the worst at one stage, while Gary Lineker revealed he had even been approached to pay tribute to Hansen on the basis that his death was set to be announced soon . Tributes poured in for the Liverpool icon, including from former captain Gerrard who was praying for Hansen .

Hansen, however, was discharged from hospital on June 23, much to the relief of Liverpool (and Match of the Day ) fans everywhere. A statement from his family read: "“Alan has been discharged from hospital today to continue his recovery at home.

"Alan, Janet, Adam, Lucy and family would like to thank everybody for their wonderful messages of love and support. It has been overwhelming and has helped enormously. We also hugely appreciate the ongoing respect that has been shown for our privacy as Alan continues his recovery. Thank you."

Hansen himself is yet to speak out. But pictures showing him comfortably playing golf, carrying his own bag and walking just fine show the turnaround and recovery he has made.

The Scottish defender is viewed as a pioneer in his position, as one of the first truly ball-playing center-backs Anfield and the wider game ever witnessed. His punditry, too, was ahead of its time, embracing tactical analysis, although he ultimately stepped aside due to struggles with nerves .

Hansen was a surprisingly peripheral figure in the Scottish national team throughout his career, infamously being left out of the squad for the 1986 World Cup by none other than Sir Alex Ferguson. But he was a stalwart at Liverpool for more than a decade.

He joined from Partick Thistle in 1977, retiring in 1991 with a total of 620 appearances to his name. That places him in the all-time top 10 Liverpool appearance-makers.

Since calling it a day, Hansen has been a keen golfer. He has been involved in various charity golf days over the years. And in these latest pictures of Hansen indulging in his hobby, it's great to see him looking well.