Celtic legend John Hughes has died aged 79, his family have confirmed. The Parkhead icon and Lisbon Lion passed away in hospital following a short illness.
It was revealed last week that the former Celtic star had taken ill and his family have now released a statement announcing his passing. Hughes, known as "Yogi'", made 416 appearances and scored an incredible 189 goals across 11 seasons at Celtic and was part of the squad who blazed a trail to the 1967 European Cup success, agonisingly missing the Final through injury.
But, having played throughout the historic run, he still received a winners' medal and remains the club's eighth highest all-time goalscorer. His family's statement, released by son John on social media, paid tribute to a "dearly loved" husband, father and grandfather. The statement said: "John 'Yogi' Hughes, age 79, passed away peacefully in hospital today following a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.
"Always remembered & celebrated with love by his wife Theresa, his sons Kevin, Martin & 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. The family ask for privacy at this terribly difficult time and will release details of his funeral arrangements in due course."
After news of his passing was made public, Celtic released a tribute of their own to the legendary forward. A club statement said: "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."
Born in Coatbridge, Hughes started out in football with Shotts Bon Accord before being picked up by Celtic in 1959. As well as being part of the Jock Stein squad which made history in '67, he also featured in the 1970 European Cup Final as the Parkhead side narrowly missed out on a second continental success in a 2-1 defeat to Feyenoord.
Hughes scored in the iconic semi-final win over Leeds United at Hampden earlier that year and departed Celtic in 1971 with six league titles, four League Cups and one Scottish Cup to his name.
He then moved south to Crystal Palace before a brief spell at Sunderland concluded a playing career in which he also played for Scotland eight times. Hughes later had a short stint as Stranraer manager before later becoming the first ever manager of the Scotland Juniors' international side.
And Celtic's statement continued: "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."
