CELTIC LEGEND John 'Yogi' Hughes has passed away at the age of 79.
A statement was released on Monday by Celtic confirming the news.
Hughes was one of the original members of the Lisbon Lions in 1967. The Lisbon Lions is the nickname given to the Celtic team that won the European Cup at the Estádio Nacional in Lisbon, Portugal on 25 May 1967, defeating Inter Milan 2–1.
The striker did not play that day but was given a medal for appearing in earlier rounds for Celtic.
Hughes played in the 1965 Scottish Cup final, which gave legendary manager Jock Stein his first taste of silverware. He would go onto to win six Scottish titles and played in four League Cup final wins.
Between 1959 to 1971, the Coatbridge native scored 197 goals in 435 appearances for Celtic.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 10: Former Celtic legend John Hughes, leaves following the funeral service for Lisbon Lion footballer Tommy Gemmell at Daldowie Crematorium, who died last Thursday aged 73 on March 10, 2017 in Glasgow, (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)He also featured for Crystal Palace and Sunderland before retiring in 1973 after picking up an injury.
A statement from his family on Monday read:" John 'Yogi' Hughes, age 79, passed away peacefully in hospital today after a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving family."
"He was dearly loved and will sorely be missed. Always remembered and celebrated with love by his wife Theresa, his sons Kevin, Martin and John, his daughter Joanna, his six grandchildren and extended family."
"He now joins the ranks of those who will be immortal as long as there's a Glasgow Celtic," concluded the statement.
Celtic also offered their condolences to their former player.
Everyone at Celtic Football Club is extremely sad to hear of the passing of Lisbon Lion, John 'Yogi' Hughes, who has died at the age of 79, and the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with John's family and friends at this extremely sad time, said that statement.
"John spent 12 years at Celtic between 1959 and '71, playing his part in a golden era for the club and establishing himself as an all-time great in the green and white Hoops.
"In 416 appearances, he scored an impressive 189 goals, making him one of only 29 players to have scored over a century of goals for Celtic."
"John 'Yogi' Hughes was hugely popular amongst the Celtic support, who always recognised him as one of their own, and the whole Celtic Family will mourn his passing."
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Everyone at Celtic Football Club is extremely sad to hear of the passing of Lisbon Lion, John ‘Yogi’ Hughes, who has died at the age of 79, and the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with John's family and friends at this extremely sad time.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 1, 2022
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