THE Celtic fan who lost part of his foot in a freak accident in Milan has thanked a heroic friend for saving his life.
William Esdale said he was still alive because of fellow Hoops fan Harry Burns.
William met Harry on board the Saltmarket Celtic Supporters bus as they travelled to Italy earlier this month.
His trip for the Bhoys' Champions League clash against AC Milan was an early Christmas present from his kids, Danielle and Ryan.
But on his way to the San Siro stadium, he was hit by a tram.
He said: "We'd spent the morning in the city square in Milan having a laugh with other football fans and even the Italian police.
"I had only just met Harry but we got on really well and we were making our way to the stadium.
"I'd had a couple of bottles of beer but that was it. I wasn't drunk. I'd never been abroad before and really wanted to make sure I'd remember every aspect of the game.
"Harry was a couple of hundred yards ahead ofme. I heard him shout, I stumbled and fell on the tram track.
"He was there in a flash and pulled me from underneath the car.
"He took my Celtic scarf from my neck and put it in front of my face and toldme not to look down.
"I was in such pain I couldn't do anything. But Harry was there for me like a rock.
"The poor man saw how badly I was hurt.
"I still haven't seen how much of my foot is gone. All I know is that my toes are gone. They'd been scattered around the accident scene."
William, 38, who had been battling back to health from a machete attack a couple of years ago, was rushed to a hospital where medics feared he could lose his right leg.
But they partially rebuilt the mutilated foot with muscle from his back in a seven-hour operation.
He was thrilled to be given the OK to travel home to Glasgow to his mum Janette, 57, Danielle, 16, and 13-year-old son Ryan just before Christmas.
William, of Knightswood, said: "I've had so much support, even from people I didn't know existed.
"And I want to thank everyone for their efforts and messages.
"The Saltmarket supporters have been amazing. Two of the lads stayed behind to keep me company and see I was all right.
"And both teams have donated signed strips.
"John Higgins was in touch personally and is hoping to arrange a snooker tournament in the new year to raise funds and even Rod Stewart has sent his best wishes through his agent.
"But the person I owe the most gratitude to is Harry. He saved my life.
"Without him, I wouldn't be here. He's become a very good friend."
William's brother David died at the age of 12 after he fell from a tree in 1980.
Janette said: "William's been strong and he's able to keep himself going. He witnessed David die and I think he understands how lucky he's been."