Covid 19 coronavirus: Liverpool football legend Sir Kenny Dalglish tests positive for coronavirus during hospital stay

Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish is being treated in hospital with the coronavirus.

Dalglish was admitted for treatment for another condition early this week, at which point he was tested for Covid-19. Despite being asymptomatic, the result was positive.

In a statement issued by the Dalglish famliy via the Liverpool website, it was clarified Dalglish attended hospital voluntarily and expects to return home shortly.

"Sir Kenny was admitted to hospital on Wednesday 8 April for treatment of an infection which required intravenous antibiotics," read the statement.

"In keeping with current procedures, he was subsequently tested for Covid-19 despite having previously displayed no symptoms of the illness. Unexpectedly, the test result was positive but he remains asymptomatic.

Sir Kenny Dalglish. Photo / Getty Images

"Prior to his admission to hospital, Sir Kenny had chosen to voluntarily self isolate for longer than the advised period together with his family. He would urge everyone to follow the relevant government and expert guidance in the days and weeks ahead.

"He would like to take this opportunity to thank the brilliant NHS staff, whose dedication, bravery and sacrifice should be the focus of the nation's attention at this extraordinary time.

"He would also ask that they are given the space to do their jobs during what is an extremely challenging time for them and that his own family's privacy is respected.

"He looks forward to being home soon. We will provide further updates as and when it is appropriate."

• Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website