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fitting tribute

Hail Cesar! Celtic unveil statue of greatest ever captain McNeill

Legendary Lisbon Lion McNeill led the Hoops to the European Cup in 1967.

Celtic v Motherwell - Scottish Premiership - Celtic Park McNeill and his family at today's unveiling. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

CELTIC HAVE TODAY unveiled a statue of legendary former player Billy McNeill.

Captain of the famous Lisbon Lions team, McNeill, nicknamed Cesar, played his entire career with the Glasgow giants — making 790 appearances while winning nine league titles, seven Scottish Cups, six Scottish League Cups and the European Cup in 1967.

Voted the club’s greatest ever captain, the 75-year-old was present with his family this afternoon for the official unveiling at the start of Celtic Way.

“I have said this before, but when Peter (Lawwell) contacted me regarding the statue I was completely taken by surprise and to now think that I will be honoured alongside such great men as Brother Walfrid, Jock Stein and my pal Jinky, really does fill me with great pride,” he said.

Celtic has been in my blood and a part of my life for so many years and to be recognised in this way by the club I love is truly humbling.”

EUROPEAN CUP CELTIC LON McNeill lifting the trophy in 1967. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

On the pitch, the Scottish Premiership leaders were beaten 2-1 at home to Motherwell this afternoon thanks to Louis Moult’s double.

The defeat sees Aberdeen, who recorded a 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock, close the gap at the top to a single point.

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