Jozo Simunovic

Jozo Simunovic feels honour and pride at wearing Billy McNeill’s famous No.5 jersey.


And the Croatian ace is desperate to celebrate the life of the Parkhead legend by emulating the great man with a soaring headed goal in today’s emotionally-charged encounter with Kilmarnock

Simunovic was hit hard by news that the captain of the Lisbon Lions had passed away.

As a central defender himself, he knew all about the status and achievements of Cesar.


Simunovic admits he’ll never forget the moment he actually got to meet McNeill after moving to Glasgow from Dinamo Zagreb.

Now, as the club’s greatest ever skipper’s memory is warmly recalled at Parkhead on Saturday, the defender has the cherished responsibility of carrying the No.5.

Simunovic is determined to do it justice. And, aware of the fact McNeill scored countless wonderful headers while netting 37 times in the Hoops, the centre-back wants to provide a fitting tribute by repeating the feat.

Simunovic has yet to score this season but realises this would be the perfect time. He said: “Billy was such an amazing player for this club and someone who played such a big part in its history.



He played so many games here and was such a huge figure so when we heard what had happened it was so sad. The news was a big shock.

“I will never forget the image of him as the guy, the man who lifted the European Cup trophy. He was No.5 so it’s always in my head, that picture.

“I would say it feels personal for me a little bit because I wear that shirt now


He was such a leader, such a legend and I am the one with his number on my top. It’s nice for me to think about that. It’s an honour and something that makes me feel good, that I have the number of the biggest guy in the club’s history. For me it’s joyful.

“I met him once, just shaking hands in passing. I was taken aback because he knew who I was, so it was a big pleasure for me to meet him
in person.

“And, because I have his number on my shirt, that gives me great pleasure also but it’s not just about me. The other players feel it too.

“My emotion and pride will be the same as always when I play but this will be a different type of game because Billy has passed and I’ll
give everything.


Maybe I will get a goal. I have been thinking about it this week. Would I dedicate it to him? Yes, definitely. It has been a long time since we scored from a corner.

“We’ve had some opportunities. Last week I almost scored and it was a brilliant save from the (Hibs) goalkeeper, so we are getting closer every game.

“Maybe this will be the game and I will go up for every corner thinking this might be the moment. That’s how I need to go.”

McNeill’s passing this week has left the club in mourning but with his family determined today’s occasion must be joyful and not sorrowful, there will be smiles mixed with the tears as the emotion hits hard in Glasgow’s east end.

The grief also has been felt much further afield with Simunovic bowled over by the tributes that have poured in from all corners of the globe.


He said: “It has made such a big impression on myself that his memory managed to touch so many people around the world. Every single Celtic fan, every person who works in the club and even other clubs in other countries.

“That was surprising to me at first but, when I sat down and checked what he did for Celticover the years, I realised what a big part he has played in the club’s history, so the reaction is to be expected.

“I’ve seen some footage of the teams he played in and the happiness and the pride they had is something else.”

Such is McNeill’s stature around the club, manager Neil Lennon has suggested the No.5 shirt be retired forever as a timeless tribute and Simunovic would understand if that happens.


He said: “It’s not for me to decide and, if the decision is taken by the important people at the club to take it away, then I’ll be happy with that.

“Whatever they decide, I will respect because of Billy. I would be happy to wear another number, but while I have it I will wear it with pride.”

Celtic will wear special armbands bearing the No.5 today, while the entire squad will have the number on their shorts during next month’s Scottish Cup Final against Hearts at Hampden on May 25 – the same date as McNeill lifted the European Cup back in 1967.

Simunovic said: “It is still a bit far away to think of that. Let’s go game by game first.

 

Cesar will be proud of that one.

Well in big man.

 

That was the closest I'll ever come to seeing a Cesar goal in the flesh.

 

Wow

 

Celtic TV for the goal

 

Honestly that's just something else..

Part of me is like well that should be the only goal of the game to win it in that fashion with a sublime header Cesar would've been proud of..

 

Forever in Celtic folklore for that goal..


Or at least in my memory for a lifetime, well done young Jozo

 

Seriously supporting this club is something special.

Aye it was a * poor performance but * is this all about, lol.

BTW this big guy has been absolutely superb since coming back in, and not just because of today.

 

Happy for the big man.

 

He's been brilliant since Lennon came in, honestly looks like a completely different player. Strolled it today, and that goal was beautifully fitting to say the least

 

He has been sublime of late .Biggest moment of his Celtic career,that goal.Brilliant,iconic moment.

 

Nice interview there

He gets it

 

Good header

 

What a moment.

He has been superb for us recently. Arguably been one of our best players since Lennon has come back. Both in an attacking and defensive sense.

Delighted for him. Always knew there was a player in there and hopefully he is now getting over the injury problems he has had and can now kick on and show what he can do.

 

number 5 in the 67th minute …. I * love this club !!! well done Jozo !