Glasgow, Scotland – E be like wetin dem dey call ‘end of an era’ as mourners gather for the funeral of Celtic legend, John Clark, the man wey dem sabi as Lisbon Lion. Dem fans gather for Celtic Park to pay their final respects to one of the club’s greatest servants, wey don serve the team with all him heart for over 40 years.
John Clark, the guy wey don play more than 300 games for Celtic, na him dey represent true football spirit. His greatest moment? Na that 1967 match when Celtic fight Inter Milan to clinch the European Cup – make dem no forget say na dem be the first British team wey do am!
As Celtic squad and fans come together to honour Clark, Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers talk say, “John’s contribution no be small thing. Him na inspiration for many players, and him love for the club don inspire generations.” (No be only football am, if you sabi wetin I mean.)
Funeral service happen for St. Mary’s Church where many star players and fans come shine shine their eyes. Priest Father John Mulholland talk say, “How many people fit call these 11 Lisbon Lions without blinking? Dem become part of our everyday gist because of wetin dem do for that fateful day.” Na that afternoon dey give dem immortality.
For the service, dem even played the Celtic anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ wey make everybody dey feel the vibe (and the tears). Former players like Roy Keane and Ian Wright no carry last; dem show face to support family wey dey mourn.
As the 25-minute eulogy from Scottish football commentator Archie MacPherson dey come down, him call Clark the most modest footballer wey e don ever meet. “John no just carry boots, him dey carry people’s jerseys too just to make sure say Celtic dey shine,” he yarn.
When dem carry John Clark’s body go down The Celtic Way, supporters and squad members dey give am standing ovation. Na real love! Scarves don dey tie to fences and floral tribute don scatter everywhere for outside the stadium, as people show say, ‘Omo, dis man matter!’
This hero wey achieve plenty for football, from playing to coaching, even serve as kit man for almost 20 years. Peter Lawwell, Celtic chairman, no fit hide him sentiments when him say, “John na dear friend and colleague, wey don touch so many lives with grace and humility.”
So as the rain dey fall gently on Glasgow, the legacy of John Clark remain with every one wey know say, ‘You’ll never walk alone.’ (And trust me, na man wey sabi carry his friends along!)
