Trio of Rangers legends appear on video to pay tribute to Ibrox hero in Europe
Yesterday at 05:36 AM
It's not just Rangers where Fernando Ricksen will forever remain a club legend.
The former Gers captain sadly lost his heroic battle with Motor Neurone Disease back in September 2019 as Ibrox turned Oranje in remembrance.
But back in his home country of the Netherlands, Fernando Ricksen remains a hero to the club where his career both began and ended in Fortuna Sittard.
Now, the Eredivisie side have launched a special kit in remembrance of the legendary former Netherlands international on the fifth anniversary of Ricksen's passing.
Rangers too – as Fernando Ricksen would've wanted – are central to the entire thing.
Fortuna Sittard release Fernando Ricksen kit
Five years on from Ricksen's sad passing in September 2019, Fortuna Sittard have released a special blue third kit in honour of the Dutchman.
In an emotional promotional video, with the kit profiled in Ibrox Stadium and in the club's famous dressing room, there are another few famous faces.
With ex-Rangers teammates Michael Mols, Ronald de Boer and Arthur Numan all involved, the new Fernando Ricksen 'Never Give Up' jersey has now launched.
The stylish blue kit with red cuffs is very much in the style of a Rangers jersey, with vertical lines softly fading as they go up the jersey.
The top has 'NEVER GIVE UP F2' printed on the back of the neck and 10% of every shirt sold will go to the ALS Foundation.
Fortuna Sittard are also set to wear the jersey against Ajax in the Amsterdam Arena later this evening in further tribute to their former star.
The Dutch club have paid tribute to Rangers in their official statement, along with Glasgow City Centre pub Oswalds Bar, for helping to facilitate the content around the release.
Find out everything you need to know about the jersey, including how you can get your hands on one, on the official Fortuna Sittard website, with the top costing €59.95 (£50.50) for kids and €69.95 (£58.95) for adults.
Alternatively, here's a direct link to Fortuna Sittard's online shop, where the jersey is listed.
Rangers fans can play special tribute to a legend
It's an apt tribute to Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen and we're sure the jersey will be popular amongst Ibrox supporters.
Ricken's emotional battle with MND captured the hearts of the footballing world as Rangers fans across the globe cobbled together for their former hero's treatment.
MND is a devastating degenerative neurological brain condition which sees the body weaken over time.
Eventually taking Fernando Ricksen's life at only 43-years-old, the Dutchman passes away with an almighty legacy which continues with this jersey.
Fernando Jacob Hubertina Henrika Ricksen was born in Hoensbroek in the Netherlands in 1976 and started his professional career with Fortuna Sittard.
Earning a reputation for his full-bloodied, fully-committed performances on the park, Ricksen battled his way into the hearts of the Dutch club's fans and has stayed there ever since.
Following a three-year spell with AZ, Ricksen moved to Ibrox in the year 2000 and would stay at the club for six years until eventually leaving in controversial circumstances for Zenit St Petersburg.
That same never-say-die spirit was evident through Ricksen's time in Glasgow, where the right-back-turned-midfielder won seven major trophies and played over 200 games.
Ricksen would lift the UEFA Cup with Zenit in 2008 at Rangers' expense before returning to Fortuna Sittard to end his career in 2009.
Having also been capped by the Dutch national team 12 times, Ricksen was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and spent six years campaigning for more research into this devastating condition.
Forever in the hearts of Rangers fans, supporters may well relish the chance to purchase this special momento and support the cause which took one of our own, far too young.
