Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell admits he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the passing of Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell.
The former Scotland international died following a long illness and speaking today, Lawwell offered his condolences to the family and friends of the Celtic legend.
"I was deeply sad for all of the Celtic family and particularly Tommy's close family and friends," he said. "He was a Celtic great, a legend and a fantastic footballer who was part of the greatest Celtic team of all time.
Indeed, one of the greatest football teams in the world of all time, in my view. He'll be sorely missed. He was a fantastic man.
"One of the privileges of my job was getting to meet your heroes. He certainly was a hero and he didn't let me down. A great man, with great humility who will be missed by many, many people."
Former teammate Bertie Auld said: "I couldn't tell you my reaction because I'm numb... As far as I'm concerned he was one of the greatest ever footballers in his position."
Gemmell will be remembered for scoring Celtic's equaliser in May 1967, as Jock Stein’s side defeated Inter Milan, to become the first British team to lift the European Cup.
He won six league titles, three Scottish Cups and four League Cups throughout the 10 years he spent with Celtic.
Tommy Gemmell lining out for Celtic in 1967. Image: PA Photos/PA Wire/PA Images
