Former Rangers midfielder Fernando Ricksen has spoken out about his time in Scotland and how it almost consumed his life.

The 34-year old Dutchman spent six successful seasons with the Scottish giants but he has admitted it drove him to the drink and also revealed how Celtic fans gave him death threats during Old Firm derbies.

Ricksen, who is back playing for Dutch club Fortuna Sittard after about two years out of the game, told the Sun of the torture he endured during his time at Ibrox.

"I have played in Scotland with Rangers numerous times against Celtic. There are 80,000 football fanatics one metre from me at these games," he said ahead of this weekend's big clash between the rivals.

"What do you think the fans are saying to me? That I'm a lovely boy?

"I've had hate letters sent to me with bullets in them. I'd messages telling me bullets were sent to the IRA so they could kill me. People phoned my son threatening to sort him out and beat him up at school. Supporters have physically and verbally threatened me on the field.

"My wife was abused in the street by them, they spat in my face while we were out shopping.

"So do you really think that it interests me what a small group of Dutch fans chant? Not one bit."

Ricksen admitted that alcohol took hold of him when in Glasgow but says that now he has found a good place in his life.

"Playing football saved me. It was my outlet valve," he added.

"Unfortunately it was replaced by alcohol. I don't have any regrets for what happened but I'd do it completely differently now.

"I made some very big mistakes and that's inexcusable. Like when I was caught drink-driving or having fights with my team-mates.

"When you're a footballer you have to be a role model. I realise that now. I should have been more like Dennis Bergkamp, anonymous and living a quiet life.

"Alcohol was the cause of a lot of problems in my life. I've made loads of mistakes but thanks to those bad experiences I'm in a better place. I'm content."