Celtic FC's former manager Billy McNeil has dementia

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Celtic FC's former captain and manager has dementia and can no longer speak
He was diagnosed seven years ago uses hand gestures to communicate
Wife Liz said she doesn't know if Billy's dementia is linked to his football career
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell praised Liz for speaking out and gave support

Published: 06:46 EST, 26 February 2017 | Updated: 15:00 EST, 26 February 2017

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Celtic football legend Billy McNeil is suffering from dementia and can no longer speak, his wife Liz has revealed.

The former Hoops captain enjoyed a glittering career at the Parkhead club, where he became the first Briton to lift the European Cup after a 2-1 win over Inter Milan in Lisbon in 1967.

McNeill, 76, also led Celtic to nine successive league titles and won seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups, before having two spells as manager.

Scottish football great Billy McNeil, 76, is suffering from dementia and can no longer speak, his wife Liz has revealed

Although McNeil was diagnosed with the degenerative brain condition seven years ago, it is only now that his wife Liz, who cares for him at their home in Newton Mearns, Glasgow, has come forward to raise awareness of the disease.

Married for 53 years, Liz said: 'Not being able to communicate with him is hard. He understands when you speak to him directly but only for a short time. He can't concentrate or follow a conversation.'

The 73-year-old added he relies mostly on hand gestures to communicate his feelings.

The McNeills decided to bring their experiences into the open as the 50th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions' historic victory in May 1967 approaches.

Speaking to the Scottish Sun, she said:'I think it's the right time for us to talk about this now. Heading the ball and the possibilities of concussive effects on the brain needs more discussion.

'We don't know if Billy's dementia is linked to his football. More research needs to be done.'

Chief executive of Celtic Peter Lawwell, in the Scottish Sun, praised the 'grace, humility and dignitiy' of McNeil after Billy's wife McNeil spoke out about it.

Lawwell has pledged his commitment and that of the clubs in supporting their ex-captain and former manager.