FERNANDO Ricksen battled against the odds to greet hundreds of awaiting fans last night at his 41st birthday party in Spain.
The stricken former Rangers star has been suffering from Motor Neurone Disease after being diagnosed with it in 2013.
Despite failing health, Fernando and his wife Veronika attended a special party in his honour at the Ibrox Bar in Benidorm.
Locals as well as fans from around the world gathered at the pub to wish the Dutch star a happy 41st birthday.
Fernando admitted it was touch and go whether he could attend the bash due to his illness.
Making the two-hour journey from his home in the sweltering heat of Valencia to the bar in the Costa Blanca, Veronica and Fernando said: “We’d love to stay in Benidorm tonight but we can’t. We have to get back for our four year old daughter Isabella.”
Fernando summoned all his strength to attend the birthday bash. In the days before the event, he said he had had some bad days but that the love of the fans gave him the power to go on. He added: “I’m tired but still OK.”
Footballers including Nacho Novo, Marco Negri and Michael Mols sent messages of support.
Rangers FC also told fans: “Please join us in wishing Rangers Hall of Fame inductee Fernando Ricksen a very happy birthday today!”
Fernando himself said he was extremely excited about the party and specifically asked organisers to play some Rangers anthems as well as his theme song and Abba classic Fernando.
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