Former Rangers Captain Dies After Motor Neuron Battle

Former Netherlands and Rangers midfielder, Fernando Ricksen, has passed away at the age of 43 following a brutal six year battle with motor neuron disease.

The Rangers legend revealed that he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in October 2013 and has been fighting this terminal disease ever since, but Wednesday, 18 September, finally brought his suffering to an end.

The Dutchman joined the Rangers in 2000, made 180 appearances, won seven major trophies, and was added into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2013.

Following his diagnosis, Ricksen began a foundation to bring awareness and raise funds to find a cure for the disease. The Rangers offered a lot of support to the initiative and held a charity match in January 2015.

Over 41,000 tickets were sold for the benefit match raising £320,000 with the proceeds split between Ricksen, his daughter Isabella, MND Scotland and the Rangers Charity Foundation.

Hundreds of Rangers supporters held a candlelit vigil to mourn the passing of their club icon at Ibrox stadium, Scotland.

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