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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. I’ve been seen in hospital with ALS (the Dutch term for MND).”

The interviewer adds: “You’re a hero that you’re here and you didn’t cancel.”

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: “I’ve 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. There’s 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.”

Ricksen’s 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.