BERTIE AULD, one of Celtic’s European Cup heroes, has died at the age of 83.

The midfielder scored 85 goals in 283 appearances over two spells for Celtic, the most famous game of which was the 1967 European Cup final win against Inter Milan in Lisbon.

Tributes have flooded in for the Parkhead legend from across the footballing world as many paid their respects to the former Scotland international.

CELTIC CHAIRMAN IAN BANKIER

“The most sincere thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Bertie’s family at such a difficult time, following this tragic loss.

“I don’t think words can ever adequately describe what Bertie meant to the Club and our supporters. He was a giant of a player, a giant of a man and quite simply Mr. Celtic.

“He scaled the greatest of heights as a player with his talent but it is who he was as a man that made him so much more to us all.

“He enriched all our lives so greatly with his humour, his character and personality and for that we will forever be grateful.

“It was an absolute privilege to have known Bertie and I know just how deeply his passing will be felt by all Celtic supporters. Bertie will forever be regarded as a Celtic great and he will forever be in our hearts.

“We all mourn his passing with great sadness and, of course, we offer our full support to Bertie’s family. May you rest in peace, Bertie.”

ACTING CELTIC CHIEF EXECUTIVE MICHAEL NICHOLSON

“To lose Bertie is tragic news and we offer our prayers and support to Bertie’s family at such a difficult time.

“Bertie will always be remembered as one of Celtic’s greatest ever sons, part of a team that delivered the greatest prize of all to the Club and its supporters.

“He brought so much joy to Celtic supporters on and off the field and we thank him and pay tribute to him sincerely for that.

“It was an absolute joy and privilege to be in Bertie’s company, and his brilliant spirit and sense of humour will live long in all our memories.

“He loved the Club so much and, in turn, he was so deeply loved by us all as Celtic supporters.

“Bertie was just unique, there will never be another like him and this really is a very sad day. Our deepest condolences are with Bertie’s family.”

CELTIC LEGEND CHRIS SUTTON

“Devastating news to hear that Bertie Auld has passed away. Bertie was a real legend, a lion and an absolute gentleman.

“He was a great player and a charming, funny, funny man. Thoughts and love and prayers go out to Bertie’s family.”

FORMER CELTIC STRIKER JOHN HARTSON

“Saddened to hear the passing of Bertie Auld, legend, Lisbon lion and a truly great gentleman. My thoughts are with the Auld family. RIP Bertie.”

RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB

“Everyone at Rangers FC express sadness and pass on their sympathy to the Auld family and Celtic FC at the passing of former player, Bertie Auld.”

HIBERNIAN FOOTBALL CLUB

“An icon of Scottish football, Bertie played for the club from 1971 to 1973 and later took on the managerial role at Easter Road in 1980.

“As Hibs manager, he guided the club to the First Division title in 1980/81. As a player, he is remembered for an incredible career with Celtic, Birmingham City and, finally, Hibernian. He was also capped three times for Scotland.

“His playing career at Celtic saw him lift 15 trophies, including the European Cup in 1967 as Jock Stein’s famous ‘Lisbon Lions’ became the first British team to win the competition. “Bertie had successful spells as a manager with Partick Thistle, Hibs, Hamilton and Dumbarton.

“A brilliant man with a huge personality, he was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2009. “Everyone at Hibernian Football Club sends their condolences to Bertie’s family and loved ones at this time.”

PARTICK THISTLE FOOTBALL CLUB

"Everyone connected with Partick Thistle Football Club was truly saddened to learn of the passing of our two-time former manager, Bertie Auld.

"Bertie Auld’s talent, success, personality and character meant he was revered by supporters not only of the clubs he served, but across the Scottish football spectrum and beyond. The Thistle teams he moulded in the second half of the 1970s remain among the most fondly remembered in the club’s modern history and his win percentage just south of 40%, mostly achieved in the Premier League, is among the best ever achieved at Thistle.

"The boy from Panmure Street, a true one-off, seemed destined to represent the red and yellow and he did so with distinction in those two managerial spells. Bertie Auld will forever have his own very special place in the history of Partick Thistle Football Club.

"The love, thoughts and condolences of everyone at Partick Thistle FC are with Bertie’s family and friends at this terribly sad time."