Celtic legend Billy McNeill - the first British captain ever to lift the European Cup - dies aged 79 Billy McNeill played a record 822 times for Celtic between 1957 and 1975 Celtic released a statement confirming legendary defender's death aged 79 McNeill became first British captain ever to lift the European Cup back in 1967 He went on to manage club over two spells following his retirement from playingBy Ben Nagle for MailOnline Published: 09:24 BST, 23 April 2019 | Updated: 09:30 BST, 23 April 2019 Viewcomments Former Celtic captain Billy McNeill - the first British man to lift the European Cup - has died at the age of 79. McNeill, who made over 800 appearances for the Scottish giants and also managed the club across two spells, had been suffering dementia for a number of years. The news was confirmed by Celtic on Tuesday morning, accompanied by a statement from McNeill's family in which they urged supporters to 'tell his stories, sing his songs and help us celebrate his life'. Celtic legend Billy McNeill, who played over 800 times for the club, has died at the age of 79 McNEILL'S CAREER As a player 1957–1975: Celtic 1961-1972: Scotland As a manager 1977: Clyde 1977–1978: Aberdeen 1978–1983: Celtic 1983–1986: Manchester City 1986–1987: Aston Villa 1987–1991: Celtic 1998 Hibernian: (caretaker) McNeill was perhaps most famous for becoming the first British player to lift the European Cup, during Celtic's famous 1966-67 season, in which they won every competition they entered. The Scotland international defender wore the captain's armband as the 'Lisbon Lions' defeated Inter Milan 2-1 in the 1967 final, before going on to lose in the 1970 showpiece a few years later against Feyenoord. He retired as a player in 1975 and still holds the record for the most Celtic appearances of all-time with 822. In a statement released on Tuesday morning, McNeill's family wrote: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father Billy McNeill. 'He passed away late last night (Monday, April 22) surrounded by his family and loved ones. He suffered from Dementia for a number of years and fought bravely to the end, showing the strength and fortitude he always has done throughout his life. 'We would also like to note our love and appreciation to our mother, Liz, for the care, devotion and love she gave to our father throughout his illness. No one could have done any more. 'Whilst this is a very sad time for all the family and we know our privacy will be respected, our father always made time for the supporters so please tell his stories, sing his songs and help us celebrate his life.' FAMILY STATEMENT It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father Billy McNeill. He passed away late last night (Monday, April 22) surrounded by his family and loved ones. He suffered from Dementia for a number of years and fought bravely to the end, showing the strength and fortitude he always has done throughout his life. We would also like to note our love and appreciation to our mother, Liz, for the care, devotion and love she gave to our father throughout his illness. No one could have done any more. Whilst this is a very sad time for all the family and we know our privacy will be respected, our father always made time for the supporters so please tell his stories, sing his songs and help us celebrate his life. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility