John Robertson, the Nottingham Forest legend and Scottish football icon, has died at the age of 72. Robertson, a former Scotland winger, is widely regarded as one of the finest players to ever wear the Nottingham Forest shirt.

Born in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, in January 1953, Robertson joined Forest from Drumchapel Amateur FC in May 1970. He was a pivotal part of the team under Brian Clough that rose from the second tier to win multiple major honors, most famously back-to-back European Cups.

Robertson was instrumental in Forest's 1978 First Division title win. In the 1979 European Cup final against Malmö, Robertson's driving run and cross from the left wing led to Trevor Francis's decisive goal. The following year, in the final against Hamburg, Robertson scored the only goal, sealing Forest's victory at the Bernabéu. In addition to the European Cups and the First Division title, Robertson's trophy haul includes two League Cups, a European Super Cup, and an FA Charity Shield.

Robertson earned 28 caps for Scotland and played in both the 1978 World Cup in Argentina and the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

Nottingham Forest released a statement: "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Nottingham Forest legend and dear friend, John Robertson". The club further declared, "A true great of our Club and a double European Cup winner, John's unrivalled talent, humility and unwavering devotion to Nottingham Forest will never ever be forgotten... Our greatest". Clough described him as “the Picasso of our game”.

Robertson experienced a heart attack in 2013 while playing tennis with former Forest colleague Liam O'Kane. He had battled Parkinson's disease for several years, and while the condition impacted his speech, he maintained regular contact with his former teammates.

Tributes have been paid to Robertson from across the footballing world. His contributions to Nottingham Forest's success in the late 1970s and early 1980s have cemented his place as a true legend of the club and the game.