Alan Hansen retires from Match of the Day

Hansen was a key part of the Match of the Day team for 22 years

He announced his retirement in a statement released by the BBC

Alan Hansen has announced his retirement from Match of the Day after 22 years on the show.

The former Liverpool defender was a key part of the Match of the Day team, providing expert analysis and commentary on the Premier League and other major football matches.

Hansen announced his retirement in a statement released by the BBC, saying: "After 22 years on Match of the Day, I have decided to step down from my role as a pundit."

"I have had a wonderful time working on the show and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a talented team of people.

"I would like to thank the BBC for their support over the years and I wish them all the best in the future."

The football community is rallying around Hansen

The football community has rallied around Hansen following the news of his retirement.

Former Liverpool teammate Kenny Dalglish said: "Alan is a true legend of the game and he has been a brilliant pundit on Match of the Day."

"He will be sadly missed by everyone at the BBC and by football fans all over the country."

Current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: "Alan Hansen is a great man and a great pundit."

"He has always been fair and honest in his analysis and he has helped to educate a generation of football fans."

Conclusion

Alan Hansen's retirement from Match of the Day is a sad day for football fans.

He has been a key part of the show for over two decades and his expert analysis and commentary will be sorely missed.

However, Hansen's legacy will live on. He is one of the most respected pundits in the game and his insights have helped to shape the way we think about football.

We wish Hansen all the best in his retirement and thank him for his years of service to Match of the Day.