Celtic great Johnstone dies

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Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone

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Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone has died at the age of 61 after a long battle with motor neurone disease.

Johnstone was a member of Celtic's Lisbon Lions team, who became the first British side to win the European Cup when they beat Inter Milan in 1967.

Johnstone scored over 100 goals for Celtic, won 23 caps for Scotland and in 2002 was voted Celtic's greatest player by supporters of the club.

He was diagnosed with the motor neurone condition in November 2001.

His son James Johnstone, 35, said: "My dad passed away at 6am this morning. It hasn't even begun to sink in yet for the family."

Born in Viewpark, Lanarkshire, Johnstone made his debut for Celtic in 1963.

His dazzling dribbles earned him the nickname Jinky and he became part of the team that won nine consecutive Scottish League titles between 1965 and 1974.

The highlight of his career came when Celtic came from a goal behind to defeat Inter Milan in the European Cup final.

His manager Jock Stein, who died of a heart attack in 1985, said Johnstone - with whom he had several run-ins - was "better than Stanley Matthews".

After leaving Parkhead, he played for San Jose Earthquakes, Sheffield United, Dundee, Shelbourne and Elgin City before retiring from football.

Johnstone became an active campaigner for stem cell research after he was diagnosed with the condition.
 
JIMMY JOHNSTONE 1944-2006

I have only seen a handful of full 90 minute matches plus plenty of highlights from games in the past where Jimmy was involved but it was clear to see the guy was an absolute class act and for people who had the fortune to see him week in week out, it must have had an absolute joy to watch him turn full backs inside out constantly....

He was given the title "The Best Celtic Player Ever" , voted by the fans of the club and i have no doubt at all he earned the title....He earned a legendary status at Celtic that will never be beaten.....The guy could have walked into ANY team in the world in his day.....

A TRUE Legend.......RIP Jinky :(
 
An absolute hero, was really sad to hear of his passing.

Not only a truly magical footballer but a wonderful man.

R.I.P. Wee Jinky

 
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A great little player. I was lucky enough to live in Glasgow for a couple of years in the sixties, and went to many of Celtic's matches during that time, including all of their home matches in their European Cup winning run. Jimmy Johnstone was very popular and very talented, and one of the stars of that time. I'm glad to have seen him play.
 
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