FEARS have surrounded Rangers hero Fernando Ricksen after a close pal reportedly revealed the extent to which the ex-footballer’s health has rapidly gone downhill.

The 41-year-old Dutchman, who played almost 200 times for Rangers between 2000 and 2006, was diagnosed four years ago with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

ALS is the most common form of the muscle-wasting condition Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Ricksen will also never appear in public again, according to a news report.

READ MORE: Fernando Ricksen accepts he’s dying as health deteriorates

In a heart-rending interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraff, close friend and biographer Vincent De Vries described how Ricksen “can no longer talk.”

He added: “No more WhatsApps and he stares out on his balcony in Valencia.

“The only communication that still takes place with him is through his blinking eyes.”

Ricksen played from 1993 to 2011 for, among others, Fortuna Sittard, Rangers and Zenit St. Petersburg. He is currently being looked after at his Spanish home by wife Viktoria Veselova.

READ MORE: Sick Twitter troll slammed for mocking Fernando Ricksen after Old Firm

De Vries continued: “His body is now completely affected by the debilitating disease.

“ALS has now also demolished the speech organs. Moreover, all the power from his arms and legs has disappeared.

“The question: is how long he can sustain it?”

Ricksen was in Glasgow last month at the Player of the Years Awards.

He also made an emotional return to Ibrox in March for the Legends match.

READ MORE: Fernando Ricksen ‘unable to control tears’ as muscle-wasting disease worsens

Ricksen revealed last November that his health was deteriorating rapidly and that MND will claim his life.

He said: “I know what the outcome will be of this terminal disease, but I’m not going to waste any time or energy worrying about future.

“I’m realistic and know that, at the moment, there is no cure for MND.

“But the outlook hasn’t changed and is still terminal and there are no new treatments at the moment.”

READ MORE: Fernando Ricksen’s touching message to pal Nacho Novo after heart attack

The Evening Times reported how he broke down as devoted fans gathered around him to give him a standing ovation at Ibrox during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match against Hamilton that month.

Pulling up at the stadium in a taxi, hundreds of loyal supporters burst into cheers and applause as the Dutchman emerged from the car.

Just before emerging, he looks outside at the swelling crowd and, taken aback, muttered: “Perfect.”

Amid the moving reception outside, one fan could be heard shouting: “God bless you, Fernando.”