Rangers hero Fernando Ricksen had a stellar career at Ibrox.

The fiery Dutchman enjoyed six years in Glasgow where he went on to become a legend and hero.

The tragic news of his passing this morning - aged 43 - came as he finally succumbed to motor neurone disease despite his fighting spirit over the years since his diagnosis.

Glasgow Times: Ricksen had a stellar career at RangersRicksen had a stellar career at Rangers

Formerly of AZ Alkmaar and Zenit St Petersburg, the trophy-laden career of the defender's will long be remembered by Gers fans as well as supporters and football lovers around the globe.

But where did Ricksen's career begin? How many trophies did the warrior win during his time at Ibrox? What year did he retire?

We take a look at Fernando's life and career in remembrance to one of Scottish football's good guys.

Fortuna Sittard is where Ricksen began playing his football in the Netherlands where he was part of the side that won Eerste Divisie as a strapping young 19-year-old in 1995.

Celtic hero Stiliyan Petrov remembers 'friend and true fighter' Fernando Ricksen after tragic death

Eventually he landed a move to AZ Alkmaar on a free transfer where he also managed to win Dutch football's biggest prize, the Eredivisie in 1998.

Just over two years later, in 2000, he joined Rangers for £4million, already as a winner, with two trophies under his belt from his time in Dutch football.

The six years he spent in Glasgow were filled with happy memories - but it didn't quite start out that way.

In his first Old Firm derby he was hauled off in the first-half after being tormented down the flank by fellow countryman Bobby Petta.

It took a bit of settling in but eventually he found his feet and helped his side to a Scottish Cup trophy in 2002 before going on to win the treble in 2003.

He also earned League Cup winners' medals in 2002 and 2005.

Glasgow Times: He won the treble at Ibrox in 2003He won the treble at Ibrox in 2003

In 2005 he was voted Players' Player of the Year - an award he shared with Celtic ace John Hartson.

The same year, he was appointed Gers captain.

After Le Guen replaced Alex McLeish at the helm a year later, Ricksen fell out of favour over off the field issues with booze.

He was checked into the Sporting Chance clinic to address his alcohol problems, though, and he retired from international football with 12 caps.

In August of that year the man who brought Ricksen to Ibrox, Dick Advocaat, opted to sign him again for Zenit St Petersburg.

Fernando Ricksen's first club Fortuna Sittard to hold minute silence beside statue of Dutchman after his passing

There he carried on his winning ways, picking up the Russian Premier League title in 2007, the UEFA Cup - beating Rangers in the final - and the Russian Super Cup in 2008.

He also won the UEFA Super Cup the same year.

Ricksen's playing career ended where it all started, back at Fortuna Sittard where he met his wife Veronika and had daughter Isabella, six.

Tragically he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2013 and given just three years to live.

Glasgow Times: The Dutchman has been battling MND for six yearsThe Dutchman has been battling MND for six years

The remainder of Ricksen's life was spent battling and fighting the debilitating illness, raising cash and awareness for those who will continue their own battle with the disease.

He was forced to see out his days in an Airdrie hospice, St Andrew's, where he passed away.

He is survived by wife Veronika and little Isabella.