Celtic fans have been pouring in the tributes to late Rangers hero Fernando Ricksen.
Ricksen played for the Ibrox club between 2000 and 2006, and left Glasgow a hero amongst our rival’s fan-base. During his time in Scotland, he won two Scottish Premier League titles, two Scottish Cups, and three League Cups respectively.
The former right-back was tragically diagnosed with motor neurone disease back in 2013. Since then, he’s shown incredible power and spirit. The disease never stopped Ricksen from making public appearances, and he’s also shown immense strength to turn up at several charity matches in the past.
Celtic supporters have been reacting to his passing today. It’s fair to say that rivalry has been put to one side this morning:
https://twitter.com/cheesybiscuit_/status/1174273880959197184
https://twitter.com/dontbnosey01/status/1174274184626810880
Celtic supporters out in force to send praise
It’s great to see such an overwhelming level of support from Celtic and other rival fans for the death of Ricksen. He was taken far too soon at 43, and his strength throughout his illness was incredibly admirable.
It’s also worth remembering that Ricksen was grateful for the support of Celtic and rival fans in the past (Scottish Sun).
Regardless of whether you liked him on the pitch, you can’t dislike him off it. He never appeared to let the illness get him down, and he’s fought incredibly bravely over these last six years.
Throughout his career, Ricksen has played for four other sides. He started off his senior career with Fortuna Sittard. After signing for AZ Alkmaar, he spent three years there before his move to Scotland.
By far the most successful spell of his career came at Ibrox in terms of quantity of trophies. However, Ricksen also managed to win the Russian Premier League, Super Cup, UEFA Cup, and UEFA Super Cup with Zenit.
He also collected an Eredivisie title with AZ back in 1998, as well as an Eerste Divisie title back when he played with Sittard.
He won more than many can only dream of, and leaves us all far too early. A clear family-man, our thoughts and prayers at 67HailHail go to his family, friends, and the supporters of those clubs who hold him so dear.
RIP Fernando.
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