[SPORTS] Fernando Ricksen dead at 43

RANGERS legend Fernando Ricksen has died today aged 43 after a battle with motor neurone disease.

The Dutch defender fought the degenerative condition for six years and passed away in a hospice in the early hours of this morning.

The former Holland international lost a six-year battle with motor neurone disease

His former club said in a statement: "Rangers is deeply saddened to announce that former player Fernando Ricksen passed away this morning following his battle with motor neurone disease.

"The thoughts of everyone at Rangers is today with his wife Veronika, his daughter Isabella and all his family and friends."

Ricksen was pictured for the final time smiling with Verokina, 33, and Isabella, 8, just two weeks before he died.

A true warrior and leader on the pitch! You’ll be truly missed. RIP my friend.

Ex-Gers Star Peter Lovenkrands

He helped Rangers win two league titles, two Scottish Cups and three League Cups and gained legendary status among fans.

The Ibrox icon was hailed as a "warrior" by close pal and former teammate Peter Lovenkrands.

He said: "You looked after me when we signed at Rangers together, taking me back and forward to training because I didn’t have a car, great memories on and off the pitch!

"A true warrior and leader on the pitch! You’ll be truly missed RIP my friend."

Another dear friend, and fellow former Gers ace, Nacho Novo also paid a moving tribute.

He said: “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."

Earlier this year we told how the beloved footballer celebrated his birthday with his family.

Ricksen's last public appearance at a charity dinner with wife Veronika at GoGlasgow Urban Hotel

The Gers icon had a birthday cake made for him as his hospice room was decorated with balloons and banners.

He made more than 250 appearances for the Glasgow giants from 2000 to 2006 — netting 13 goals.

Tributes have flooded in for the Ibrox cult hero who leaves behind his wife Veronika and daughter Isabella.

His close friend and agent Vincent de Vries posted a snap of Ricksen and declared: "The fight is over."

Rangers fans took to Twitter to pay tribute to the club legend.

One wrote: "What a fight you put up - may you rest in peace now.

"Here’s how I’ll remember you and your bests season with us. As a title winning captain"

Another wrote: "Thanks for all the amazing memories you created for the fans on and off the park. You're an inspiration. "Thoughts are with your many friends and family. I hope you are now at peace, Captain. Love from your Rangers Family."

Fernando Ricksen, who won 12 caps for Holland and was signed by Rangers from AZ Alkmaar for £3.75million in 2000, raised awareness and funds to help other sufferers through his foundation.

A benefit match for the Dutchman, held at Ibrox in January 2015, saw over 41,000 fans attend Ibrox and raised £320,000 with the proceeds split between Fernando, his daughter Isabella, MND Scotland and the Rangers Charity Foundation.

Zenit St Petersburg - the team Ricksen left Rangers to join, initially on loan, in 2006 - also released a statement.

It read: "We're deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former player Fernando Ricksen.

"He battled bravely against motor neurone disease right until the end and we are all thinking of him and his family at this difficult time."