Fernando Ricksen

[Suzy Ross 236]

Loathed the guy when he played for rangers. He had a knack for winding fans and players up, especially tommo. But the OF games were a lot quieter once he left. Now we hear he is fighting a horrible disease that took the life of Celtic great jinky johnstone. Terrible disease and a terrible tragedy for ricksen considering how young he is. I'd like to think football fans can unite in wishing a young man all the best in his biggest fight to date.

 

Good luck Fernando.

 

 

FORMER Rangers star Fernando Ricksen has revealed he is suffering from motor neurone disease.

 

Ricksen was told the devastating news by doctors this week.

 

MND is the same muscle-wasting disease that killed Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone in 2006, aged 61.

 

Dutchman Ricksen, 37 who starred for Gers between 2000 and 2006 made the revelation in a heart-rending interview on television in his homeland.

 

Clearly struggling with his speech, Ricksen is asked: You talk slowly at the moment. Why?

 

The tearful footballer replies: At the moment, I have a little trouble talking. Ive been seen in hospital with ALS (the Dutch term for MND).

 

The interviewer adds: Youre a hero that youre here and you didnt cancel.

 

 

Rangers new signing Fernando Ricksen arrives at Edinburgh Airport in March 2000.

 

New Rangers signing Fernando Ricksen on beach in March 2000.

 

Fernando Ricksen celebrates his goal against St Johnstone on Boxing Day 2000.

 

Ricksen with Dick Advocaat in training.

 

Ricksen with Player of the Month award for October 2002.

 

Ricksen is attacked by Aberdeen fan at Pittodrie in 2003.

 

Ricksen celebrates with Ferguson, Arteta and Amoruso after winning Scottish League Cup final in 2003. Rangers beat Celtic 2-1.

 

Fernando Ricksen battles for possession with Alan Thompson during Old Firm match in January 2004.

 

Ricksen celebrates his goal against Aberdeen in October 2004. Rangers won the match 5-0.

 

Ricksen celebrates after scoring in CIS league cup final, 20th March 2005. Rangers beat Motherwell 5-1 at Hampden Park.

 

Alex McLeish celebrate CIS League Cup final win Ricksen in 2005.

 

Fernando Ricksen and Nacho Novo celebrate with SPL trophy at Easter Road in 2005.

 

Winners of SPFA Awards for 2004/2005, Old Firm duo Fernando Ricksen and John Hartson.

 

Ricksen has twelve caps for the Netherlands

 

After going on loan to Zenit St Petersburg, Ricksen returned to Ibrox in a friendly game in August 2006.

 

Ricksen reveals ilness on TV

 

Ricksen can't hold back tears in TV interview

 

 

 

Ricksen tells how his diagnosis is even more tragic as he has found contentment in his life with stunning wife Veronica and baby daughter Isabella. He said: Ive found love with my Russian wife and daughter of one year old.

 

But he has vowed to fight the disease with the same force he displayed in his six years as a Rangers player.

 

He said: "Inside me there is a fighting spirit, there always has been. I will fight this - I know it will be difficult but I will battle all the way.

 

"I have Veronica and Isabella - they are my second life and I have to try."

 

MND is a rare condition where parts of the nervous system become damaged. This causes progressive weakness and muscle wasting. Theres no cure for the illness.

 

Ally McCoist: My heart goes out to Fernando Ricksen

 

Last night, thousands of Rangers supporters took to social media to send messages of support to the former full-back, who captained Gers for much of the 2004-5 season.

 

Fans group the Rangers Supporters Trust posted: Dreadful news on Fernando. Our thoughts with him at this terrible time.

 

Celtic legend Stylian Petrov, who is in remission from leukaemia, added: I am saddened to hear the news about Fernando. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. God bless.

 

Ricksens old adversary, former Celtic winger Bobby Petta, tweeted: I just heard the very sad news about Fernando Ricksen suffering from motor neurone disease. My thoughts are with him and family.

 

Dick Advocaat signed Ricksen for Gers in 2000 for £3.75million and the defender went on to make 182 appearances in an often controversial stint in Scotland.

 

He joined Advocaat at Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg in 2006 after a bust-up with Gers boss Paul Le Guen.

 

Most recently, he has been coaching at Sittard in Holland, having hung up his boots earlier this year.

[Joe67 239]

hated him as a player, wouldnt wish that on anyone. can only hope the progress is slow and he gets decent quality of life for a few more years yet

[dytkos 17,861]

SR, I reckon your a bloke?

Cheers, D.