A BUMPER Ibrox crowd of more than 41,000 turned out to pay tribute to former Rangers captain Fernando Ricksen yesterday.

 

The Dutchman is battling Motor Neurone Disease and was the star of the show as a host of Light Blue heroes returned to Glasgow to raise money for charity.

Funds from the game, which an All Star side won 7-4 as Gordon Durie Durie, Peter Lovenkrands, Nacho Novo and Thomas Buffel hit the target for Rangers, will be split between the club's Charity Foundation, MND Scotland and Ricksen's daughter Isabella.

Ricksen kicked off the legends clash before leaving the pitch to a standing ovation and taking up a place on the sidelines beside his former team-mates and friends.

At the end of the game, he was again given a rousing reception as he was carried around the pitch on the shoulders of his team-mates.

With the 38-year-old clearly emotional, a statement was read on his behalf by friend Roy Knez, which said: "'Fellow Blue Noses, thank you for your support today. The numbers who turned out make me feel so happy. It gives me fighting spirit.

"When I played here I gave everything for the world's most successful club. Now the club and the fans have given me so much more back. I need it now.

"I've never been so proud to be a Rangers man. Thank you, I love you, Rangers forever."

Ricksen won seven major honours during his Ibrox career before leaving to join Zenit St Petersburg and finishing his playing days at first club Fortuna Sittard.

A host of star-studded names pulled on their boots in an emotional afternoon and former team-mate Bert Konterman is sad at the 38-year-old's plight.

He said: "I last saw Fernando about a year ago before Christmas and he could move and speak much better than now.

"I was really shocked when I saw him because his hands were cramped, he was struggling with his balance and I can hardly understand him anymore.

"He is going backwards, but what the supporters did for him was unbelievable. They came here to support him and enjoy the old glories. They want to get that back, but that is a different story."