In pictures: Rangers players and staff pay their respects to Fernando Ricksen outside Ibrox
Rangers players and coaching staff have added their tributes to a growing collection of scarves, flags and flowers outside Ibrox Stadium in honour of Fernando Ricksen.
The club’s former captain died yesterday after a six-year battle with motor neuron disease, aged just 43.
Manager Steven Gerrard and club captain James Tavernier laid a floral wreath next in tribute to the Dutch international, who spent six seasons at the club.
A message attached read: “Your fighting spirit knew no bounds. We will always remember. From all your friends at Rangers Football Club.”
At a press conference yesterday, Gerrard has called on his players to deliver a Europa League victory against Feyenoord as a tribute to Ricksen.
The Ibrox side play the Dutch giants tonight as the group stages of the competition get underway.
Gerrard said: “It’s very sad news for everyone connected to the club and, more importantly, his young family. On behalf of the club I would like to pay tribute. He was a fantastic player who had a decorated career.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of emotions in the stadium tomorrow and I think Fernando deserves that. I’m sure both sets of supporters will pay their respects.
“We ask the supporters to get right behind the team because I think it would be a nice tribute to him if we can put in a good performance and try to get maximum points.
“I think everyone knows before a ball is kicked, if that was the case, we’d certainly dedicate it to him and his family.
“It’s very sad. I’m sure the supporters are very sad at this time and we who are responsible for tomorrow night’s performance want to do everything we can to try and get a win and dedicate it to him.”
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe
