The greats of the modern Celtic era were quick to pay their respects following the passing of Billy McNeill.
Celtic’s greatest ever captain last kicked a ball in 1975 but his legend has only grown over the years with his achievements embraced and celebrated rather than casting a shadow over the players that followed in his footsteps.
The Lisbon Lions are all revered among the Celtic support but none greater than the captain, the leader who lifted the big cup back in 1967 when the modern legend of Celtic was set.
For that generation of fans it was an incredible sight. A club, a group of players who were also-rans a couple of years earlier had climbed onto the pedestal set by Real Madrid who had seven years earlier thrilled Hampden Park with their victory over Eintract Frankfurt.
One of their own, a hero from Bellshill, made the breakthrough with a story that will never be eclipsed. Indeed the subsequent successes of English clubs, the cult of Messi and Ronaldo only adds to the esteem that McNeill and his team-mates were held in.
As players from outside Scotland joined Celtic they quickly found out the real story of the Lions, the people, the characters and discovered in McNeill someone that lived up to the billing but who very much retained the common touch with time for the fans who will celebrate his life and achievements for years to come.
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
Very Sad hearing sad news about Billy, there will be many tribute`s about him, but please remember Liz and his family let the grieve in there own way, it`s a blessing at his passing and a relief Rest in Peace Billy from all in my family, we know what you all were going through,
— John Fallon (@sligotim) April 23, 2019
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
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
“The Celtic fan who became captain of the club’s greatest team”
Celtic great Billy McNeill, captain of the famous ‘Lisbon Lions’, has died aged 79.
More: https://t.co/fWOHODFwyg pic.twitter.com/AW7CquDYZN
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 23, 2019
So sad to hear the passing of Billy McNeill! He was a great leader; on and off the pitch. Thoughts are with Liz and their family! We have a lost a great man RIP Billy????
— Murdo Macleod (@murdomacleod06) April 23, 2019