Nicosia, Cyprus. Tributes were shared on Tuesday following the death of Kevin Keegan, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner and former England captain, with clubs and supporters recalling his appearances in Cyprus during the 1980s.
Keegan took part in exhibition matches on the island and visited The English School, where he coached the football team and met students.
Anorthosis appearance
Keegan’s first major appearance in Cyprus came in 1984, when he accepted an invitation from former Liverpool teammate Peter Cormack, then manager of Anorthosis Famagusta, to play in a friendly match against Omonoia Nicosia.
He wore Anorthosis’ blue and white shirt, giving local supporters the opportunity to watch one of European football’s leading figures play in Cyprus.
Anorthosis said the occasion remained “forever etched in the memory of our club” and described Keegan as a player who “left an indelible mark on the history of the game”.
Cyprus Super Cup
Keegan returned to Cyprus in May 1987 for the Cyprus Super Cup, a friendly tournament in Nicosia involving Apoel, Omonoia, Arsenal and Luton Town.
He played for Apoel, while George Best appeared for Omonoia. Students from The English School Class of ’88 served as ball boys during the matches.
Memories of the visits
During his time in Cyprus, Keegan visited The English School, coaching its football team and meeting pupils.
Petros Hadjichristodoulou, who interviewed Keegan during his Cyprus visits as a sports journalist for Phileleftheros, recalled the former striker as approachable despite his global reputation.
