Celtic FC's 'greatest ever captain' Billy McNeill dies aged 79
The defender led the famous "Lisbon Lions" to victory in the European Cup final in Portugal in 1967.
Tuesday 23 April 2019 10:52, UK
Former Celtic captain Billy McNeill, the first British man to lift the European Cup, has died aged 79.
McNeill led the famous "Lisbon Lions" that won the European Cup in the Portuguese capital in 1967.
He also captained Celtic to nine successive titles, seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups.
McNeill later had two spells as Celtic boss where he won four league titles and four cups.
He also managed Manchester City and Aston Villa.
McNeill had been suffering from dementia since 2010 and was unable to speak during his final years.
He died on Monday 22 April.
The Celtic legend's five children said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father Billy McNeill.
"He passed away late last night 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."
Celtic FC have paid tribute to him as the club's "greatest ever captain", and added on Twitter: "Rest in Peace Cesar. You'll Never Walk Alone."
McNeill was nicknamed Cesar after the American actor Cesar Romero who appeared in Ocean's Eleven in 1960.
Celtic players had named themselves after the characters in the film, and McNeill was nicknamed Cesar as he was the only one who owned a car.
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."