The footballing world has come together to mourn the death of former Rangers star Fernando Ricksen.
Dutchman Ricksen, 43, passed away this morning after a long battle with motor neurone disease.
He had fought bravely against MND but was forced to see out the rest of his days in St Andrew's Hospice in Airdrie.
Rangers is deeply saddened to announce that former player Fernando Ricksen passed away this morning following his battle with motor neurone disease.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) September 18, 2019
THE FIGHT IS OVER...
— Vincent de Vries (@therealvdv) September 18, 2019
RIP Fernando Ricksen (1976 - 2019) pic.twitter.com/ne7Ij6kw9Z
We're deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former player Fernando Ricksen. He battled bravely against motor neurone disease right until the end and we are all thinking of him and his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/tyzC7Q5dPV
— FC Zenit in English🌊 (@fczenit_en) September 18, 2019
Ricksen is survived by his wife Veronika and his daughter Isabella, six.
Considered a fighter on the pitch, Ricksen battled against foes in Scottish football on the pitch.
But he has been remembered today with messages of love and respect from clubs around the country and former teammates and other players.
Rangers posted on social media: "Rangers is deeply saddened to announce that former player Fernando Ricksen passed away this morning following his battle with motor neurone disease."
Our thoughts are with the family & friends of Fernando Ricksen who has sadly passed away following a brave battle against Motor Neurone Disease. https://t.co/AI8eLMYUqg
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) September 18, 2019
The club is saddened to hear former Rangers player Fernando Ricksen has passed away. Everyone at the club is thinking about Fernando’s family, friends and former colleagues at this sad time.
— Hamilton Accies FC (@acciesfc) September 18, 2019
💙| Everyone at Greenock Morton Football Club is saddened to hear of the passing of former Rangers icon Fernando Ricksen.
— Greenock Morton (@Morton_FC) September 18, 2019
Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends at this difficult time. https://t.co/Nm7gbxXruC
Zenit St Petersburg wrote online: "We're deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former player Fernando Ricksen.
Everyone at the SPFL is deeply saddened to learn that former Rangers player Fernando Ricksen has passed away after his battle with motor neurone disease.
— SPFL (@spfl) September 18, 2019
Our thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/YaXljb3TwY
💛| Desperately, desperately sad news this morning with the passing of Fernando Ricksen.
— Livingston FC (@LiviFCOfficial) September 18, 2019
The thoughts of everyone at Livingston are with Fernando’s family & friends as well as all at Rangers FC. https://t.co/CvQsRTv5nR
"He battled bravely against motor neurone disease right until the end and we are all thinking of him and his family at this difficult time."
The SPFL added: "Everyone at the SPFL is deeply saddened to learn that former Rangers player Fernando Ricksen has passed away after his battle with motor neurone disease.
"Our thoughts are with his family."
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