Former Rangers midfielder Fernando Ricksen has died following a battle with motor neurone disease at the age of 43.
The Netherlands international spent six years at Ibrox, making 182 appearances
Ricksen was part of the Scottish domestic treble side under Alex McLeish in 2003 and he was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 2014.
“Rangers is deeply saddened to announce that former player Fernando Ricksen passed away this morning following his battle with motor neurone disease,” 'Gers confirmed this lunchtime.
“Fernando spent six trophy-laden seasons at Ibrox having initially joined a number of other Dutch players under manager Dick Advocaat in the summer of 2000.
“The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are today with his wife Veronika, his daughter Isabella and all his family and friends.”
Former teammate Peter Lovenkrands has led tributes to Ricksen.
“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,” he posted on Instagram.
“A true warrior and leader on the pitch! You’ll be truly missed. RIP my friend.”
