This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

The former Rangers and Netherlands player Fernando Ricksen has died at the age of 43, six years after revealing that he had motor neurone disease.

“Rangers is deeply saddened to announce that former player Fernando Ricksen passed away this morning following his battle with motor neurone disease,” confirmed the Scottish club.

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“Fernando spent six trophy-laden seasons at Ibrox having initially joined a number of other Dutch players under manager Dick Advocaat in the summer of 2000.”

Ricksen, who won 12 caps and was signed by Rangers from AZ Alkmaar for £3.75m, raised awareness of motor neurone disease and funds to tackle it through the Fernando Ricksen Foundation.

A benefit match, held at Ibrox in January 2015, was attended by more than 41,000 fans and raised £320,000, with the proceeds split between Fernando, his daughter Isabella, MND Scotland and the Rangers Charity Foundation.

Rangers added: “The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are today with his wife Veronika, his daughter Isabella and all his family and friends.”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Fernando Ricksen celebrates after scoring against Motherwell during the 2005 Scottish League Cup final. Photograph: Reuters

Peter Lovenkrands, who also joined Rangers in 2000 and spent six years with the club, paid tribute to his former teammate on social media. “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,” he posted on Instagram. “A true warrior and leader on the pitch! You’ll be truly missed. RIP my friend.”

Fortuna paid tribute to their former player on Twitter. “Today we received the sad news that Fernando Ricksen died at the age of 43,” the club said. “We wish all surviving relatives strength in this difficult time. Warrior, rest in peace!”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Rangers fans leave tributes at the gates of Ibrox Stadium for former player Fernando Ricksen. Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Zenit added: “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.” Alkmaar also sent his family their best wishes in a message on Twitter.

Ricksen, who was was inducted into Rangers’ Hall of Fame in 2014, was an unused substitute for Zenit when they won the 2008 Uefa Cup final against the Glasgow club.