The footballing world has come together to mourn the death of former Rangers star Fernando Ricksen.
Dutchman Ricksen, 43, passed away this morning after a long battle with motor neurone disease.
He had fought bravely against MND but was forced to see out the rest of his days in St Andrew's Hospice in Airdrie.
Rangers is deeply saddened to announce that former player Fernando Ricksen passed away this morning following his battle with motor neurone disease.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) September 18, 2019
THE FIGHT IS OVER...
— Vincent de Vries (@therealvdv) September 18, 2019
RIP Fernando Ricksen (1976 - 2019) pic.twitter.com/ne7Ij6kw9Z
We're deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former player Fernando Ricksen. He battled bravely against motor neurone disease right until the end and we are all thinking of him and his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/tyzC7Q5dPV
— FC Zenit in English🌊 (@fczenit_en) September 18, 2019
Ricksen is survived by his wife Veronika and his daughter Isabella, six.
Considered a fighter on the pitch, Ricksen battled against foes in Scottish football on the pitch.
But he has been remembered today with messages of love and respect from clubs around the country and former teammates and other players.
Rangers posted on social media: "Rangers is deeply saddened to announce that former player Fernando Ricksen passed away this morning following his battle with motor neurone disease."
The club is saddened to hear former Rangers player Fernando Ricksen has passed away. Everyone at the club is thinking about Fernando’s family, friends and former colleagues at this sad time.
— Hamilton Accies FC (@acciesfc) September 18, 2019
Zenit St Petersburg wrote online: "We're deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former player Fernando Ricksen.
Everyone at the SPFL is deeply saddened to learn that former Rangers player Fernando Ricksen has passed away after his battle with motor neurone disease.
— SPFL (@spfl) September 18, 2019
Our thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/YaXljb3TwY
"He battled bravely against motor neurone disease right until the end and we are all thinking of him and his family at this difficult time."
The SPFL added: "Everyone at the SPFL is deeply saddened to learn that former Rangers player Fernando Ricksen has passed away after his battle with motor neurone disease.
"Our thoughts are with his family."
World governing body FIFA posted on Twitter: “Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Fernando Ricksen, who has passed away aged 43 following a battle with motor neurone disease.”
Figures from across the world of football sent their condolences, including former Celtic striker John Hartson, who tweeted: “Sorry to hear Fernando Ricksen has passed away.. fought till the end.. my thoughts are with his immediate family and friends.. RIP Fernando.”
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