This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
Fernando Ricksen, a beloved former Rangers player, has passed away at the age of 43 after a courageous six-year battle with motor neurone disease.
According to a statement from Rangers, Ricksen passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning in a hospital just outside Glasgow.
Diagnosed with the degenerative disorder in 2013, Ricksen was supported by the Ibrox giants as he bravely battled the condition.
During his six-year spell at Rangers, Ricksen became a fan favourite and was renowned for his full-blooded commitment on the right-hand side.
He won two league titles, two Scottish Cups, and two League Cups during his time at Ibrox.
Before joining Rangers, Ricksen began his career with Fortuna Sittard in his native Netherlands and later moved to AZ Alkmaar in 1997, where he won the Eredivisie title in his first season.
He also played for Zenit St Petersburg, winning the UEFA Cup in 2008, a Russian title, Russian Super Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.
Ricksen made 12 senior appearances internationally for the Netherlands between 2000 and 2003.
Rangers expressed their condolences to Ricksen's wife, Veronika, daughter, Isabella, and all his family and friends.
