Gerrard: Win it for Fernando
Aubameyang to score two or more
vGroup G, 8pm
STEVEN GERRARD has called on Rangers to deliver a victory tonight against Feyenoord as a tribute to ex-Light Blues defender Fernando Ricksen following his death at the age of 43.
The former Holland international – who made more than 250 appearances for the Ibrox club between 2000 and 2006 – had been fighting motor neurone disease for six years and died yesterday morning.
Gerrard said: “It’s very sad news for everyone connected with 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 – and Fernando deserves that.
“I think it would be a nice tribute to him if we can put in a good performance and try to get maximum points.
“Everyone knows, before a ball is kicked, if that was the case, we’d dedicate it to him and his family.”
Gerrard called Ricksen (above, lifting the Scottish League Cup in 2005) a “fantastic ambassador” for the club.
He added: “He played with his heart on his sleeve – he was that type.
“That was epitomised when he was taken ill in 2013, I think he was given just 18 months to live at the time, but he fought hard.
“He was a fantastic ambassador for the club in the way he played.
“I was lucky enough to meet him a couple of times, recently as well, when you could see that he was in pain and suffering, but you could see the fight he was still putting up.”