RANGERS legend Fernando Ricksen has revealed he has lost his voice through his battle with motor neurone disease.

The 39-year-old's speech is so slurred that he now communicates with wife Veronika through text messages.

The disease has also left him unable to do basic tasks, including tying his shoelaces.

The football star updated fans on his worsening condition in a new version of his book Fighting Spirit, which is available in his home country Holland.

Mr Ricksen revealed he was diagnosed with the degenerative disease in 2013.

In the updated version of his book he wrote: "My fingers started to get crooked andI noticed Veronika had more trouble understanding me.

"It was becoming difficult to swallow.

I could hardly tie my laces and could not even lift a cup with one hand."

He continued: "I know I'm doomed to only communicating via WhatsApp. My voice won't come back."

However, the star remains positive. He wrote: "I just want to stay alive. I want to see my daughter grow up. I want to do absolutely everything."