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Footballing world pays tribute to Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen

© Andrew Cawley / DCT MediaFernando Ricksen in 2017
Fernando Ricksen in 2017

Tributes have been paid to former Rangers star Fernando Ricksen following his death at the age of 43.

The ex-Ibrox captain had been battling motor neurone disease for six years, and passed away this morning.

Announcing the news, a Rangers statement said: “Rangers is deeply saddened to announce that former player Fernando Ricksen passed away this morning following his battle with motor neurone disease.

“The thoughts of everyone at Rangers is today with his wife Veronika, his daughter Isabella and all his family and friends.”

Peter Lovenkrands paid tribute to his former teammate on Instagram, saying: “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!

“A true warrior and leader on the pitch! You’ll be truly missed. RIP my friend.”

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “Everyone at Celtic would like to extend their most sincere and heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Fernando Ricksen following today’s news that he has passed away.

“Fernando was part of Scottish Football for a number of years and  for him to be taken so young is a huge tragedy.

“He fought this terrible condition with such courage and we should all admire  and respect the inspirational way in which he tackled the challenge which he faced.

“He showed immense bravery throughout. Our thoughts and prayers of course are with Fernando’s family and friends at such a difficult time.”

Former Celtic striker John Hartson, who shared the Scottish PFA Players’ Player of the Year award with Ricksen in 2005, tweeted: “Sorry to hear Fernando Ricksen has passed away.. fought till the end.. my thoughts are with his immediate family and friends.. RIP Fernando.”

Former Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield wrote: “Thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends of Fernando Ricksen, a terrier on the pitch and a warrior off it.”

Russian side Zenit, who Ricksen played for from 2006 to 2009, tweeted: “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.”

Throughout Ricksen’s battle with MND, he helped raise awareness and funds for the efforts to help those living with the condition.

This included a benefit match at Ibrox in 2015, which attracted 41,000 supporters.

An MND Scotland spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Fernando Ricksen has lost his courageous battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

“Fernando’s bravery in sharing both his shocking diagnosis and his life with MND has been inspirational.”