Former Celtic captain Billy McNeill has died at the age of 79, his family have announced.
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.
Former Celtic striker Frank McGarvey, who McNeill signed from Liverpool in 1980, said: “It is a very, very sad day.
READ MORE: Celtic legend Billy McNeil dies aged 79
“He was loved by all the players and you don’t hear that about all managers.
“He was the captain of the first team to win the European Cup. As a manager, he was a great manager.
Billy McNeill, @CelticFC & @ScotlandNT legend, has died at the age of 79.
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) April 23, 2019
In 1967, he became the first British man to lift the European Cup - one of a staggering 3⃣1⃣ major trophies he won with Celtic as player and manager 👏 #RIP pic.twitter.com/oeQTGSGw3k
Sad news the Great Billy Mcneill has passed away.. a true Giant of the game, Leader and inspirational figure.. RIP Big Man thoughts are with the Mcneill family at this sad time 🙏🏻
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) April 23, 2019
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.
— Jim Craig ⭐️ (@Cairney2) April 23, 2019
RIP my friend.
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. pic.twitter.com/s0edjiyIUP
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) April 23, 2019
⚫Athletic Club regrets the passing of @CelticFC legend Billy McNeill and joins the pain of family, friends and the entire emblematic club.#AthleticClub #OneClubMan pic.twitter.com/BK9NBleXEB
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) April 23, 2019
We are sad to learn of the passing of Billy McNeill who managed the Club between 1983-86.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 23, 2019
Everyone at Manchester City would like to send our sincere condolences to Billy's family. 💙 pic.twitter.com/GVnooh05Yj
The SPFL are saddened to learn of the passing of @CelticFC legend Billy McNeill.
— SPFL (@spfl) April 23, 2019
Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and all at Celtic at this time. pic.twitter.com/Xeox403ZnN
Terribly sad news today regarding Billy McNeill ‘ without doubt one of the most inspirational Celtic players of all time.I would meet him occasionally in and around Celtic Park & he was always the gentleman.Thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends🙏🏻. Rest In Peace Billy🍀
— Paddy McCourt (@PaddyMcCourt15) April 23, 2019
Our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers go to Billy McNeill's family and friends at this extremely sad time
— Celtic FC Foundation (@FoundationCFC) April 23, 2019
Rest in peace, Cesar. You’ll Never Walk Alone. pic.twitter.com/GuGKcvg5hC
💚| 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.
— Hibernian FC (@HibernianFC) April 23, 2019
➡️ https://t.co/T4pds5HC8E pic.twitter.com/kSJlg7kaao
Beautiful tribute to Billy McNeill. RIP. https://t.co/ZrvdPbO1qE
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) April 23, 2019
Hearing the sad news about Billy McNeill’s passing. In addition to being the ultimate Lisbon Lion, Billy was in demand on TV in the 80s. I was lucky to broadcast a live Scotland game on BBC TV in Saudi Arabia side-by-side with him. A great man. Thoughts with Billy’s family. RIP.
— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) April 23, 2019
“He won a lot of trophies with Celtic on and off the pitch but not only that, he was a great person, a fantastic man. He would do anything to help you. He will be sadly missed.”
Football pundit and former Celtic striker Chris Sutton tweeted: “Such heartbreaking news. Billy McNeill was an inspirational leader, a legend and a lion. Thoughts go out to his family and the Celtic family.”
Such heartbreaking news. Billy McNeill was an inspirational leader, a legend and a lion. Thoughts go out to his family and the Celtic family☘️
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) April 23, 2019
McNeill joined Celtic in 1957 from junior side Blantyre Victoria and holds the club record for most appearances with 790 over 18 seasons. The defender also won 29 caps for Scotland.
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He had two spells as Celtic manager spanning nearly 10 years in total and won 31 trophies across his long association with the club.
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