Celtic ‘saddened’ at the sad passing of Lisbon Lion John Clark

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Celtic hero and Lisbon Lion John Clark has sadly passed away aged 84 years old.

Clark was in the Celtic starting line-up in that famous night when Jock Stein’s Bhoys defeated Inter Milan to lift the European Cup in the Estadio Nacional in Lisbon in 1967.

As well as becoming a legend on the park, Clark was also part of the Celtic coaching staff in the 1970s as he took charge of the reserves and youth side and then as Celtic’s assistant beside Billy McNeill.

Clark was also Celtic’s kit man for over 20 years as he continued to play a part in the club’s domination of Scottish football right through the 2000s with Martin O’Neill, Gordon Strachan and Neil Lennon.

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Brendan Rodgers pays ‘fitting tribute’ to Celtic legend John Clark

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to Clark and labelled the Lisbon Lion as an ‘absolute inspiration’ to himself and players at the Parkhead club.

Rodgers told Celtic’s official website, “‘Greatness’ is a word people throw around, but for John Clark it is a very fitting tribute.

“John was instrumental in delivering our greatest day ever and his achievement is forever etched in Celtic’s proud history.

“John’s continued presence at Celtic across so many decades I know served as an absolute inspiration to so many players, managers and staff, including myself very much.

“To have him with us, as part of the club for so long has been a tremendous privilege for us all, it meant so much to us. Through his knowledge, his wisdom and his true love for Celtic, John has made such an important contribution to the club.”

“I know John was loved so dearly by his family, by everyone at the club and our supporters. We will all miss him so much.”

John Clark’s remarkable Celtic career including famous European Cup win vs Inter Milan

Clark has been associated with Celtic ever since he made his debut in 1959. As previously said, as well as a player, the legendary Hoops player held various roles within the club.

Clark’s achievements on the park with Celtic after making over 300 appearances for the club were quite incredible:

• 1 x European Cup
• 6 x league titles
• 5 x League Cups
• 3 x Scottish Cups

67 Hail Hail wishes John Clark’s family and friends our deepest condolences at this difficult time.