Tears as Jinky returns to scene of Lisbon triumph
    

 By Colin Grant

      CELTIC legend Jimmy Johnstone paid a tearful visit to the scene of his greatest triumph last week.
      Jinky, who was diagnosed with a serious motor neurone disease earlier this year, returned to Lisbon, where 35 years ago he and his team-mates made history by becoming the first British footballers to win the European Cup.
      And as the memories came flooding back, an old adversary made a surprise appearance and a shocking admission - Eusebio, Portugal's greatest player, flew to Lisbon from New York to greet Jinky and pay his respects.
      In an emotional reunion, the pair hugged at the centre spot in Benfica's Stadium of Light and, afterwards, Eusebio said, "Jimmy is one of the greats, up there with Stanley Matthews and George Best. But I'm a Rangers man!"
      The nostalgic meeting had been arranged in advance by award-winning film-makers Jamie Doran and Jeff Healey.
      Glasgow-born Doran, a Celtic fanatic, is directing the film of Jimmy's life story, On A Wing & A Prayer, which will be launched at the Cannes Television Festival next Spring.
      Tributes
      It will include tributes to the Wee Man from some of the biggest names in world sport and entertainment, including Sir Alex Ferguson, Pele, George Best, Alfredo di Stefano, Jack and Bobby Charlton, Antonio Banderas, Bono, Jim Kerr and Billy Connolly.
      Jimmy's two-day trip began with a heart-wrenching pilgrimage to the National Stadium, where in May 1967 Celtic beat Inter Milan 2-1 to win the European Cup.
      "Jinky was quite tense as we approached the stadium," reveals Jamie, "but as we began wandering around he became very excited.
      "He was astounded to see that, although the ground itself had undergone major refurbishment during the past 35 years, the dressing room he and his team-mates occupied had not been touched. He walked over to a corner and said, 'This is where I changed before the game. It hasn't changed'.
      Magic moment
      "Then he retraced his steps through the tunnel on to the pitch and as he entered the arena he became very quiet.
      "He stared at the spot directly opposite which had been full of Celtic supporters and the tears began to well in his eyes."
      Last night Jimmy told The Sunday Post, "It was a magic moment. Even though the stadium was now empty and silent I could still see the fans and I could still hear them singing and chanting.
      "It's a picture in my mind that will never go away. I just wish all the boys had been with me. It was a wonderful experience."
      After spending several hours filming, Jimmy and the film crew headed to a pub to watch last Sunday's Old Firm thriller live on TV.
      "As we entered an Irish pub in the centre of Lisbon, the place was in an uproar. Celtic had just scored,'' said Jamie.  
      Jimmy in his playing days for Celtic.

      "Suddenly there was a deathly silence. Scores of fans stared in disbelief as one of their greatest ever heroes calmly walked in and sat down. Then there was uproar again as the fans burst into massive applause.
      "But just as Jimmy sat down the place was plunged into silence again. Rangers had scored."
      The following day Jimmy met up with Eusebio, who revealed that he, too, had been at the '67 Cup Final.
      "I was there as a fan and, like Jimmy, I can still remember every kick of the ball.
      "It was incredible, there were so many Celtic fans. And when the match started, even after Inter went one up, you felt Celtic would always win. They controlled the entire game.
      "Jimmy is such a small guy and was facing Fachetti who is very big. But the small guy won. I'll never forget the Celtic fans digging up the pitch at the end."
      Reminiscing
      Jinky and Eusebio spent the afternoon reminiscing about their encounters, including the European Cup quarter-final in 1970 between their teams, which had to be decided on the toss of a coin.
      "It was a crazy way to conclude a great battle," said the Portuguese striker.
      Jimmy countered, "Aye, but we couldn't lose. Big Billy McNeill jumped up screaming 'yes' even before the coin had hit the ground. In the commotion, I don't think anyone's certain to this day which way the coin ended up."
      It was at this point Eusebio let it slip that thanks to his close friendship with former Rangers winger Willie Henderson he had become a follower of the other half of the Old Firm.
      Earlier this year fans were stunned when Jinky (58) announced he was ill. Today he is a picture of health.
      He has been receiving a revolutionary new drug treatment at the Beth Israel Hospital in New York City.
      He said, "It's early days but things are going well. I've started training again and I'm feeling great.
      "If my health continues to improve I hope to arrange another trip to Lisbon soon. This time I hope the rest of the Lions will come with me. It will be an experience they will never forget."