Celtic centre-back has spoken of his pride and honour at following in the footsteps of club icon Billy McNeill.
Both men wear the number five, and Simunovic has disclosed how important that has been to him, in the week that McNeill sadly passed away.
“It’s an honour and something that makes me feel good, that I have the number of the biggest guy in the club’s history” he said, as reported by the Daily Record.
Simunovic also revealed that he plans to honour McNeill’s memory by giving the best performance he can against Kilmarnock on Saturday.
“I’ll give everything”
“My emotion and pride will be the same as always when I play but this will be a different type of game because Billy has passed and I’ll give everything.”
If there is ever a player you want a centre-back at Celtic to emulate, it’s Billy McNeill. He is one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.
Played well this season
Of course, Simunovic won’t go down in history like the club’s European Cup winning captain. However, he has played well when called upon this season.
From being out of the team for months, he is now looking like an integral part of the squad as the Hoops aim to win a third successive domestic treble.
It would be fitting if Simunovic honoured McNeill with a goal against Kilmarnock.
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