Fernando Ricksen: Rangers' Former Player Passes Away At The Age Of 43

Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen has passed away on 18th September 2019. The Dutch footballer was fighting a motor neuron disease. Ricksen was diagnosed with the disease in October 2013. After being diagnosed, Fernando Ricksen fought the disease for six years and at the age of 43, the once-ace footballer passed away. Scottish football team Rangers took to their Twitter account to announce the news of the legendary player's demise. 

Fernando Ricksen’s Career Highlights

His career started at the age of 18 when he joined the Dutch team Fortuna Sittard. He played three seasons with them. After which he moved to AZ Alkmaar and played for three years. After he joined AZ Alkmaar, Ricksen won a cup double in his first season and also played both the finals. In the next season, he also won the domestic treble. After that, Ricksen moved to Scotland, where he went to play for the Scottish Premier League and ensured his team won it three times. He also played in the Scottish League Cup and was on the team that won it twice. In 2005, Fernando Ricksen became the team captain of Rangers and also won the SPFA Player of the Year award. After this, he moved to Zenit St Petersburg on a loan in 2006. He played with Zenit for a while and then returned to his homeland to play for Fortuna. Fortuna was the last club he played for. Thereafter, he was forced to retire due to his disease.

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The Dutch footballer won over 12 caps and played in 452 matches over a career of 19 years. He won seven major honours which included the Scottish Premier League titles. During his time with the Rangers, Fernando Ricksen played more than 180 games, for six seasons. Since he was diagnosed with the condition, he has been battling it and raising awareness about it. He also started a foundation to help people with a similar disease. Under his foundation, he organised a Rangers benefit match which helped him raise an amount of £320,000.

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