The footballing world mourned yesterday after Rangers hero Fernando Ricksen died, aged 43.
The Dutchman, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2013, was hailed by former team-mates as a “warrior”, “role model” and “fighter on and off
the pitch”.
Ricksen became a fans’ favourite during his six-year spell at Rangers after being signed by Dick Advocaat in 2000. The club won seven trophies during his six-year spell
at Ibrox.
The club said it was “deeply saddened” to announce the news of Ricksen’s death, while manager Steven Gerrard described him as a “fantastic player who played with his heart on his sleeve”.
READ MORE: Tributes pour in for ex-Rangers star Fernando Ricksen as he passes away, aged 43
The Rangers boss added: “I was lucky enough to meet him a couple of times, you could see the fight he was putting up. The tributes will pour in not just for the footballer but for the man.”
Danish striker Peter Lovenkrands, who played alongside Ricksen at Ibrox, said: “You looked after me when we signed at Rangers together, taking me back and forward to training because I didn’t have a car. Great memories on and off the pitch.
“A true warrior and leader on the pitch. You’ll be truly missed – RIP my friend”.
“The thoughts of everyone at Rangers is today with his wife Veronika, his daughter Isabella and all his family and friends,” a statement added.
Nacho Novo, another former team-mate, added: “Sad news. My friend, my best friend, a role model, always a fighter. Love u to bits mate. RIP. I will see u soon brother.”
And Kris Boyd told how Ricksen was more than just “a legend of the football club”.
He said: “You can look back and say he was a legend of football but, for me, more important than that, he was a good guy.
“I’ll always remember when I went to Rangers at first, how he was with me and how he treated me. “
“That’s all you can ask for, when someone looks after you and I’ll always be grateful for that.
READ MORE: Celtic release heartfelt statement after death of Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen
“A fantastic player, but for me a fantastic guy as well.”
Former Celtic player Stiliyan Petrov said: “Rest in peace my friend. A true fighter on and off the pitch. My thoughts are with your family and friends.”
Following his diagnosis in 2013, Ricksen spent his years battling MND campaigning and raising money to find a cure for the debilitating condition. His charity has raised more than £1 million in an attempt to help scientists with research.
Ricksen, who was married and had a daughter, lived out his remaining days at St Andrew’s Hospice, Airdrie, after being admitted into care there last year.
In a final interview to ITV in June, he urged those in sport to do more to help pressure drugs companies to find a cure.
He said: “The sports world could put
more pressure on
the pharmaceutical companies. This disease is not lucrative enough so it has no priority. If tomorrow an MND epidemic came we would have a cure within a week. It’s disgusting but a reality.”
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