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Fernando Ricksen says he will "continue fighting out of the limelight" after revealing plans for his final public appearance.

The Rangers hero, who is in the final stages of Motor Neurone Disease, yesterday announced that his upcoming fundraiser will be his "final night".

The 42-year-old is being cared for at St Andrew's Hospice in Airdrie .

(Image: Ricksen my friend/pauline)

In a video posted on Twitter on Sunday night the frail former midfielder revealed the "special" event on the 28th June will be his last fundraiser as the disease makes it "very difficult" for him to attend.

He said: "Since it's getting very difficult for me, this will be my final night. Come and make this a night to remember.

"Hopefully see you soon, Fernando."

But autobiographer Vincent de Vries, who regularly sends messages on Fernando's behalf, clarified exactly what the Ibrox star was meaning on Monday afternoon.

He quoted the footballer saying: "I would like to emphasise on the fact that June 28th will be my final public appearance.

"In other words: I do NOT have the intention to make it my final day.

"I will continue fighting, the rest of the battling is just going to happen out of the limelights."

Football fans rallied round Fernando after the message as he made plans for the "special night".

The initial video was recorded by Fernando's friend Pauline Glen to help ensure the final fundraising night is a sell out.

The £70-a-head "An Evening with Fernando Ricksen" will be held at the GoGlasgow Urban Hotel, with TV host David Tanner, former Rangers star Marvin Andrews, comedian Dee Maxwell and singer Lynsey Glen in attendance.

Supporters from across the footballing divide came together to send messages of support after witnessing the footballer in his heartbreaking state.

Twitter user @HoopyGaz86 said: "Football aside this man is a true warrior, he is an inspiration of a man.. Keep fighting fernando."

While Brian Urquhart commented: "It's such a hard watch.

"Such a fighter Fernando you are a legend and will always be. It's heartbreaking."

(Image: PA)

He has been battling the disease since 2013.

Since his diagnosis the Ibrox icon has dedicated himself to raising money for MND charities.

He also launched the Fernando Ricksen Foundation in June 2016. His charity work and battle with illness featured in a moving documentary about the stricken star by a Dutch filmmaker.

Director Ronald Top and journalist Vincent De Vries were given intimate and exclusive access to Fernando, his wife Veronika Veselova and daughter Isabella Ricksen for “Fernando Ricksen – The Final Battle”.

The documentary was shot in his native Holland and Spain where he, his wife Veronika and six-year-old daughter Isabella lived happily before tragedy struck.

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The filmmakers also revealed that the tattoo on Fernando’s chest inspired them to make the movie. It says: "I am a warrior. A warrior with a fighting spirit. I will never give up and never surrender."

Last October, Fernando was rushed to hospital after he became unwell while visiting Scotland at an Ibrox fans' event.

Since then, Fernando has been cared for at the Airdrie hospice where he will spend the rest of his life as he is too ill to travel back to Spain.