Fernando Ricksen

Fernando Ricksen, born on July 27, 1976, was a distinguished Dutch professional footballer known for his versatility on the field, playing both as a right back and a central midfielder. His career began to flourish at Fortuna Sittard, where he contributed to the team's success in the Eerste Divisie before moving to AZ, further solidifying his reputation in Dutch football.

In the year 2000, Ricksen made a significant career move by joining Rangers for a transfer fee of three million seven hundred fifty thousand pounds. During his six-year tenure with the Glasgow club, he became an integral part of the team, helping secure two Scottish Premier League titles, two Scottish Cups, and three Scottish League Cups, showcasing his talent and dedication.

After leaving Rangers in 2006, Ricksen continued his career at Zenit Saint Petersburg, initially joining on loan. His time in Russia was marked by notable achievements, including winning the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup in 2008. However, his journey took a turn when he was released by Zenit in 2009, leading him back to Fortuna Sittard for the final years of his playing career.

On the international stage, Ricksen earned twelve caps for the Netherlands between 2000 and 2003, representing his country with pride. In recognition of his contributions to Rangers, he was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 2014. Sadly, Ricksen's life was cut short when he succumbed to motor neurone disease on September 18, 2019, at the age of 43.