Celtic legend and Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld has died at the age of 83

Celtic legend Bertie Auld, who was part of the club’s iconic European Cup winning team in 1967, has died at the age of 83.

The Glasgow club announced the passing of the Lisbon Lion on Sunday.

Auld spent 12 years as a Celtic player across two spells with the club, winning numerous trophies and as an important part of the team that became to first British side to win club football’s biggest prize.

The former midfielder, who won three international caps and was inducted into the Scottish football Hall of Fame, played over 280 appearances for Celtic, scoring 85 goals. He won five league titles and seven domestic cups as a player at Parkhead.

Auld went into management after his playing career ended and had spells at Partick Thistle, Hibernian, Hamilton Accies and Dumbarton.

A hugely popular figure with the Celtic support, he was a prominent ambassador for the club in his later years.

Celtic chairman Ian Bankier said: “The most sincere thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Bertie’s family at such a difficult time, following this tragic loss.

“I don’t think words can ever adequately describe what Bertie meant to the club and our supporters. He was a giant of a player, a giant of a man and quite simply Mr Celtic.

“He scaled the greatest of heights as a player with his talent but it is who he was as a man that made him so much more to us all.

“He enriched all our lives so greatly with his humour, his character and personality and for that we will forever be grateful.

“It was an absolute privilege to have known Bertie and I know just how deeply his passing will be felt by all Celtic supporters. Bertie will forever be regarded as a Celtic great and he will forever be in our hearts.

“We all mourn his passing with great sadness and, of course, we offer our full support to Bertie’s family. May you rest in peace, Bertie.”