Tributes have poured in for Bertie Auld after the Celtic announced the club legend and Lisbon Lion has been diagnosed with dementia.
The former Scotland player is being cared for at home by his family who have requested that their privacy be respected at this time.
Celtic FC released a short statement on Thursday confirming the 83-year-old’s diagnosis while paying tribute to the ‘true icon’.
Floods of messages have poured in for Auld, who the club have described as "one of our greatest sons".
Former Celtic striker Moussa Dembele took to Twitter to send his best wishes.
The Atletico Madrid player said: "Support and love to a top man and @CelticFC legend and his family."
Celtic favourite and dementia in football campaigner Chris Sutton said: “Really upsetting this is. Dementia is such a cruel disease.
"Bertie is a true legend. Brilliant player and one of the funniest guys ever. Stay strong Bertie.”
John Hartson said: “Was with Bertie last week. What a man. He was full of beans and we sang the fields of Athenry at his home.
"He is suffering with dementia and wanted desperately to pay him a visit. God bless he is a proper Celtic legend.”
Sports writer and Sunday Mail columnist Hugh Keevins said: "There was. There is. And there always will be only one Bertie Auld. Love to ten-thirty."
Celtic FC released a short statement on Thursday confirming the 83-year-old’s diagnosis while paying tribute to the ‘true icon’.
They said: “Bertie is a true Celtic icon, one of our greatest sons and someone the Club and our supporters love and respect dearly.
“We will continue to give Bertie and his family all our love, care and our ongoing full support at this hugely challenging time.”
Auld, from Glasgow, is a member of Celtic’s Lisbon Lions, which won the 1967 European Cup Final.
The former Partick Thistle manager also earned three caps for Scotland while also playing for Dumbarton and Hibernian FC during his football career.
The Jags said on Twitter: "Everyone at Partick Thistle would like to echo the sentiments of Celtic FC in offering our very best wishes to Bertie Auld.
"We pass on the love and best wishes of all Thistle fans to Bertie and his family, who can count on our support throughout this hugely challenging time."
The Sons said: "Dumbarton FC echoes the sentiments of Celtic for our former player and manager, Bertie Auld. The thoughts of all at the club are with Bertie, his family and friends."
Fellow Lisbon Lion Billy McNeill died of Alzheimer's disease in April 2019 and his family launched a fund to support ex-footballers battling Dementia.
