A father, footballer and fighter to the end
Rangers legend dies after six-year battle with MND
FERNANDO RICKSEN 1976-2019
IBROX legend Fernando Ricksen lost his six-year battle with motor neurone disease yesterday after raising £1million for research into the condition.
As tributes poured in from former Rangers teammates, fans and rivals, MND Scotland’s chief executive Craig Stockton said: “Fernando’s bravery in sharing both his shocking diagnosis and his life with MND has been inspirational.”
FERNANDO Ricksen’s best pal Nacho Novo paid tribute to the Ibrox legend after his death from MND aged 43 yesterday – saying he was “always a fighter”.
Novo, who has a tattoo of Ricksen on his leg, visited his former teammate at the hospice in Airdrie where he spent his final days.
And on hearing the news of his passing yesterday, Novo tweeted: “Sad news my friend, my best friend, a role model, always a fighter, love you to bits mate. RIP I will see you soon brother.”
The Ibrox hero lost his battle with motor neurone disease after a courageous six-year fight – and after raising an estimated £1million for research into the condition through his Fernando Ricksen Foundation.
His death came as Rangers prepare to face Dutch side Feyenoord in the Europa League at Ibrox tonight.
Manager Steven Gerrard led the tributes as the Scottish football family paid its respects to Ricksen yesterday.
He said: “It’s very sad news for everyone connected to the club and, more importantly, his young family.
“On behalf of the club, I would like to pay tribute. He was a fantastic player who had a decorated career.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of emotions in the stadium tomorrow and I think Fernando deserves that. I’m sure both sets of supporters will pay their respects.
“We ask the supporters to get right behind the team because I think it would be a nice tribute to him if we can put in a good performance and try to get maximum points.
“I’m sure the supporters are very sad at this time and we want to do everything we can to try and get a win and dedicate it to him.”
Gerrard labelled Ricksen a “fantastic ambassador” for the club and said he deserves all of the warm words he has received since Rangers announced news of his death yesterday morning.
He added: “He played with his heart on his sleeve – he was that type. I think that was epitomised when he was taken ill in 2013, I think he was given 18 months to live at the time. He’s fought so hard up to this point. I think that sums up the character, a warrior type on the pitch and off the pitch.
“He was a fantastic ambassador and role model for the club in the way he played but also how he handled himself off the pitch.
“I was lucky enough to meet him a couple of times. Recently you could see that he was in pain and suffering but you could see the fight he was still putting up with.
“He certainly deserves all the accolades that are going to come his way because I think he handled himself, not just as a footballer but as a human being, more importantly.”
The Dutch international leaves a young daughter, Isabella, and wife Veronika. It is thought his family were at his side at St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie when he died.
Rangers and their fans paid their respects along with Celtic and the widow of Hoops legend Jimmy Johnstone, who died from the same debilitating condition in 2006, aged 61.
Compatriot Arthur Numan revealed he last saw his friend three weeks ago on a visit to Airdrie with fellow Dutch ex-teammates Giovanni Van Bronckhorst and Michael Mols.
Numan said: “You could see him lying in bed and it’s quite sad when you knew how he was in his early days. He was mad, full of energy and active then you see him lying in his bed.
“The only thing he could do was make sentences with his computer, so there was a bit of interaction but it’s quite sad.”
Last night, Feyenoord manager Jaap Stam laid flowers in tribute to his former international teammate outside Ibrox.
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 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.”
Ricksen spent six years in Glasgow, winning two trebles and captained Gers to title success on one of their most famous days – Helicopter Sunday.
He publicly revealed his diagnosis in October 2013 and played a vital role in raising awareness of the illness.
Ricksen opened his home and life to the public through the documentary Fernando Ricksen – The Final Battle to show people how MND can affect someone.
Celtic and Scotland legend Johnstone’s widow Agnes tweeted a touching tribute.
She said: “My sincere condolences in the passing of Fernando Ricksen.
“May God bless him and all his family at this time. Fernando was a very brave man.”
And the Jimmy Johnstone Charitable Trust tweeted a photo of Fernando at “Jinky’s” statue.
Craig Stockton, chief executive of MND Scotland, said: “Fernando’s bravery in sharing both his shocking diagnosis and his life with MND has been inspirational.
“He raised so much awareness of the illness, particularly through his documentary and from the Rangers tribute match in January 2015, which raised over £80,000 for MND Scotland.
“The tragic death of a young, active, footballing legend really brings to light that this cruel disease can affect anyone, at any point in their life.
“We must find a cure for future generations.
“You can text CUREMND to 70660 to donate £5, or donate online.”