“Billy McNeill was Celtic, Mr Celtic,” said fellow Lisbon Lion, Bertie Auld, yesterday as tributes flooded in for the Celtic FC’s ‘greatest ever captain’.

Tributes poured in from colleagues and opponents alike for a man who won 31 trophies as a player and manager with Celtic, who he first joined in 1957.

His family revealed McNeill, who had a long battle with dementia, died on Monday night.

As news broke Celtic fans descended on Parkhead to pay tribute to centre-back and lay flowers, scarves and messages at the foot of his statue.

The football legend, who was voted the “greatest ever captain” by fans in 2002, was known for leading the Lisbon Lions to win the European Cup in 1967, making him the first British player to lift the cup. He also went on to manage the club for five years between 1978 and 1983.

READ MORE: Archie Macpherson: Billy McNeill was a legend as a player, manager, and broadcaster

Speaking to the Evening Times at the Parkhead ground yesterday, 81-year-old Auld said: “He was always respected, even as a young boy when he came in at the beginning, way back when he was 17 years of age when he signed here.

“Billy, captain of the club, and achieving what he achieved, going and collecting the trophies and such, but the most important thing, he was always good to look at, listen to, and he was always great with individuals, the supporters.”

In a statement McNeill’s family said: “While this is a very sad time for all the family and we know our privacy will be respected, our father always made time for the supporters so please tell his stories, sing his songs and help us celebrate his life.”

Auld did just that, by leading fans in a sing-a-long in front of McNeill’s statue, as he and fellow Lisbon Lion, John Clark, lay a wreath in their friend and teammate’s honour. Despite the overcast and windy weather the statue and its surrounding railings were soon covered in scarves and flowers from “devastated” fans yesterday.

READ MORE: John Greig: Billy McNeill was a friend, a leader and a gentleman who will never be forgotten

Paula McMullen and her seven-month-old baby Alfie headed to Celtic Park when she heard the news.

She worked for the club 15 years ago and remembered meeting McNeill on many occasions.

“He was such a nice man, a gentlemen. Even though he was busy, he’d always find the time to chat to you,” she said.

“He was always full of life and considering everything he did, everything he’s achieved in his lifetime, it’s just so sad.

“Now you realise how much football players get, and he did all that for the club for nothing.

“Younger players will look up to people like him, he was so inspiring.

“Celtic is a family and my heart goes out to his own family. I know he was battling with things for quite a while.”

Fellow Hoops fan Mary Taylor said: “I’ve come to pay my respects for one of the greatest Celts ever. I’m ­absolutely devastated.

“It’s a tough one for everyone at Celtic. He just embodies what Celtic meant: a gentleman, a family man and Celtic to core.

READ MORE: Billy McNeill dies: Devastated Celtic fans lay flowers at Parkhead statue

“He was a player, a captain and a manager. He went right through the ranks and was a well respected and kind man.”

While Andy Seabrook came up to Parkhead from England with three of his friends to “pay his respects”.

He said: “It’s history – obviously the first European Cup.

“Everyone knows what he’s done for the club. I think people will come together. We’re very much a family club. I think a lot of people will come to pay their respects. It’s a testimony to the man himself.”

Barry Monaghan added: “He’s an icon, isn’t he? He’s a legend.

“I’ve come to pay my respects to one of the greatest captains.

“We will maintain his memory, but he’ll be sorely missed.”

“Fans can come up and pay their respects at the statue. I reckon this place will be completely covered by end of day. It’s a sad day for Scottish football.”

McNeill was respected by football fans on both sides of the city and both Gers and Hoops fans took to twitter to pay their respects.

Dale McGovern said: “Men are born and men die but not many will have the impact Billy McNeil has had on so many people not just in the Celtic community but across the footballing world.

“His body and soul may be put to rest but his legacy and legend will forever live on.”

Another fan tweeted: “Haven’t seen such unity and respect on social media in years.

“Some lovely and fitting tributes paid to our great rival Billy McNeil. Condolences to friends and family alike.”

Read more of today's top Glasgow stories.