Former Celtic captain Billy McNeill has died at the age of 79.
McNeill, who played for Celtic his whole career, was captain of the famous ‘Lisbon Lions’ side who won the European Cup in 1967 and he also went on to manage the club.
A statement from his children on the Celtic website read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father Billy McNeill.
“He passed away late last night (Monday, April 22) surrounded by his family and loved ones. He suffered from dementia for a number of years and fought bravely to the end, showing the strength and fortitude he always has done throughout his life.”
Former Celtic striker Frank McGarvey, who McNeill signed from Liverpool in 1980, told Press Association Sport: “It is a very very sad day.
“He will be sadly missed.”
Aberdeen, who McNeil managed in the 1970s, tweeted: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our former manager, Billy McNeill who has passed away at the age of 79.”
Celtic captain Scott Brown posted an image of McNeill on Instagram and wrote: “Captain leader legend. Rest in peace.”
Former Rangers captain John Greig was McNeill’s rival during their playing days but also a friend.
He told Press Association Sport: “It’s very sad news. I realise Billy has been unwell for quite a while and I’ve lost a very good friend today.
“We have been close for many, many years. Although we were big opponents on the field we had a mutual respect for each other off it.”
“As Old Firm captains, we were asked to do a lot of public engagements together. We were even given doctorates from the University of Glasgow on the same day in 2008.
“Apart from being a great football player and a great captain for a great Celtic side, he was also a great guy, a real gentleman and I’ll miss him.”
The Scottish Professional Football League tweeted: “The SPFL are saddened to learn of the passing of @CelticFC legend Billy McNeill.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and all at Celtic at this time.”
Athletic Bilbao, who recently awarded McNeill’s family with a “one club man” award for his playing career with Celtic, tweeted: “Athletic Club regrets the passing of @CelticFC legend Billy McNeill and joins the pain of family, friends and the entire emblematic club.”
Hibernian tweeted: “Everyone at Easter Road was saddened to hear of the passing of Billy McNeill, who spent a short time at Hibs as mentor to then-manager Jim Duffy.”
McNeil’s former team-mate Jim Craig tweeted: “Heartbroken over the passing of my great friend and captain Billy McNeill. A huge blow for the Celtic family but a devastating loss for Liz, Susan Libby Carol, Paula and Martyn.
“My thoughts and prayers are with them today. RIP my friend.”
Manchester City tweeted: “We are sad to learn of the passing of Billy McNeill who managed the Club between 1983-86. Everyone at Manchester City would like to send our sincere condolences to Billy’s family. “
Bertie Auld, McNeill’s fellow Lisbon Lion, told Press Association Sport: “Today’s news is a tragedy.
“I was there when the boss signed Billy at 17 years of age and even then he had tremendous presence about him.
“He was a big thin boy with spindly legs but he was majestic in the air, even at that age. He had a tremendous temperament for a centre-back.
“As the months went on, you could see he had this ability to be a leader. Despite being so young, he would give everybody his opinion and everyone respected him.
“I remember in Lisbon, him carrying the ball out onto the park in Portugal. His chest was out and his head was back. He knew we would win and that filtered through the rest of us. He was never arrogant or egotistical. He just believed in himself and the rest of us.”