Celtic legend Billy McNeill to receive ‘One Club Man’ award from Athletic Bilbao

BILLY MCNEILL is to receive a prestigious award from Athletic Bilbao in recognition of spending his entire career at Celtic.

The Hoops legend will be awarded with the 'One Club Man Award' after an 18-year spell with his boyhood heroes.

A special ceremony will take place in Glasgow with legendary Bilbao goalkeeper Jose Angel Iribar presenting the award.

Barcelona icon Carles Puyol, Italian legend Paolo Maldini and Southampton favourite Matt Le Tissier have all received the award since it was introduced four years ago.

Speaking on the award, Celtic chairman Ian Bankier said: “This award is a fantastic recognition for Billy and recognises the phenomenal contribution he made to Celtic over so many years.

"A towering figure in the history of our great Club, Billy’s achievements at Celtic form a legacy which we will always be so thankful for.

“Billy has always represented Celtic at all times in the best of ways with true integrity and professionalism and is someone who has always been the finest ambassador for the club.

“I am delighted that his unwavering commitment to Celtic has been recognised by Athletic Club de Bilbao in this manner and we congratulate Billy, Liz and all the family on this great achievement.”

Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell added: “Billy is a hugely deserving recipient of this highly prestigious award.

"I know that Billy’s family is tremendously proud of this accolade, and on behalf of everyone at Celtic I would like to send our sincere congratulations to Billy and the entire McNeill family.

“I would also like to thank Athletic Club de Bilbao for honouring Billy in this way, it's a tremendous gesture which is greatly appreciated.

“I have had the genuine honour and privilege of knowing Billy for so many years now and he is someone who always set the highest of examples with his values of family, respect and humility.

"He is rightly revered as a true Celtic great and he will always be one of our favourite sons – a special player and a very special man.

“He has been voted our greatest ever captain and it is fantastic that Billy’s selfless contribution to his one club has been recognised in this way.

“Billy will always be one of European football’s major figures.

"He has given such a huge part of his life to Celtic and for that, we will forever be grateful and we forever hold him in such high esteem.”

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