Rangers to pay for funeral of club legend Fernando Ricksen

The Scottish Sun reports that Rangers Legends manager Stan Gordon, 47, from Blantyre, said that the money will come from a former Player Benevolent Fund used to support ex-stars. 

He told the newspaper: "I’ve dealt with the club and they said they will pay for the whole thing.

“He’s obviously a big Rangers man and the benevolent firm was set up for that purpose. They’ve said they’re happy to pay for it. It’s really nice of them.”

READ MORE: Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen wanted to be cremated in his 'home' Scotland

The Ibrox hero died in St Andrew's Hospice in Airdrie this week aged 43 after a six-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease. 

Stan spent two hours sitting with his friend two hours after he died at 10.30am on Wednesday.

He got in touch with Rangers directors over the funeral arrangements in the days before he died knowing Fernando did not have long to live.

He said: "The club said they are happy to go ahead with it. I put the funeral parlour in touch with them, and I think that the family could do with the support.

“I was sitting with Fernando yesterday before they took him away. It was tough. He seemed peaceful. I know he wasn’t in any pain when he passed away.

“I was told he just closed his eyes and went to sleep, which is a bonus after what he went through.

“I just went up to help his carers. I phoned Rangers yesterday to let them know he had died.

“His carer, her husband, myself and a friend were there. We were all chatting about our favourite memories of Fernando. He’s been amazing and shown so much fighting spirit. It was the least I could do.”

We reported that the player wanted to be cremated in Scotland. 

We reported yesterday that his wife Veronika, 33, tragically did not make it to her husband's bedside before his death. 

We also reported that family friend Pauline Glen, 56, has set up a fundraising drive for the family.