Celtic Lisbon Lion legend Jim Craig reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis

Celtic legend Jim Craig has revealed he has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for four years.

The Lisbon Lions defender made more than 230 appearances for the Hoops, including in the famous European Cup final triumph in 1967.

He is one of only three living members of Jock Stein’s iconic team.

Lisbon Lions captain Billy McNeill had dementia when he died in 2019, and Stevie Chalmers also died from the condition a week later.

Club legend Jimmy Johnstone died in 2006 from Motor Neurone Disease.

A coroner earlier this year found that heading likely contributed to the brain injury, which was a factor in the death of former Scotland defender Gordon McQueen.

McQueen – who was capped for Scotland 30 times between 1974 and 1981, and played for both Manchester United and Leeds during a 16-year career – died at his home in North Yorkshire in June 2023, aged 70.

Speaking about his diagnosis, Craig told the Herald: “I was pleased that they diagnosed something wrong, because I thought I was just ageing.

“But I was a bit surprised to hear what it was, and I find it very frustrating.”

The 83-year-old, diagnosed in 2022, added: “I’m okay with the old days and the football and family memories. I’m okay with them. It’s the recent, modern things I have trouble with.”

In 2019, a study led by the University of Glasgow found footballers were three and a half times more likely to die of neurodegenerative disease.

The Scottish FA then announced new guidelines on training exercises involving the heading of footballs.

In March, the Jim Craig Govan Foundation unveiled plans for a statue in Govan, where he was born.