John Swinney has paid tribute to tragic Scottish football legend Denis Law – after the striker passed away. Law is Scotland’s joint-record goalscorer and the only Scot to win the Ballon d’Or.
The retired striker, who was sold for a British record fee three times during his career, passed away this week at the age of 84, following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
And the First Minister hailed Law, who hailed from Aberdeen’s Woodside area. In a statement, he said: “I’m terribly sorry and saddened by the passing of Denis Law. He was a giant of Scottish football, and one of Scotland’s greatest sons.
“The legacy from his incredible sporting career had a profound impact on future generations across Scotland and beyond, and I know it will continue to inspire the next generation.
“Despite all of his successes on the pitch, he was also a humble individual that contributed a great deal to Scottish society. In his later years, Denis bore his illness with great dignity and bravery.”
The SNP leader also said Law had “led from the front when raising awareness of the real challenges and difficulties that come with Alzheimer’s.
He added: “Denis was one of Scotland’s great superstars who brought joy to people both on and off the pitch. We were very lucky to have him.”
Nicknamed The Lawman and The King, Law began his career with Huddersfield Town, before switching to Manchester City. He then headed to Torino, before heading back to Manchester – to sign for City’s rivals, United.
He spent 11 years at Old Trafford, netting 237 times in 404 appearances, seeing him placed third behind Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton in the club’s all-time scoring charts.
He then returned to Manchester City for his final season before retiring and famously scored the goal that relegated Manchester United from the top flight.
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