Rangers legend Ricksen passes away

The 43-year-old had a hugely successful career at the Ibrox outfit, signing from AZ Alkmaar in 2000 under the stewardship of his fellow Dutchman Dick Advocat. In total, Ricksen won three league titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups during his time in Glasgow. He is perhaps most remembered for being inducted into the Rangers hall of fame and winning twelve caps for his country. He also scored a memorable free-kick in Rangers' 5-1 League Cup against Motherwell in 2005.

Ricksen left Scotland to sign for Russia and lifted the 2008 UEFA Cup, bizarrely against Rangers. Whilst at Zenit he also won the UEFA Super Cup, the Russian Premier League and the Russian Super Cup. Ricksen left Russia in 2009 to return to Fortuna Sittard.

In 2013 he announced that he was suffering from Motor Neuron disease, and has raised lots of money for the Fernando Ricksen Foundation- a charity aimed at helping others with the disease. A charity match took place at Ibrox in 2015.

Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson said: “Everyone connected with Rangers will be distressed by Fernando’s passing. He fought so bravely against a terrible illness and our thoughts are with his family.

“Fernando will never be forgotten by his teammates or Rangers fans. His place in our history is secured.’

 

18 September 2019