Former Rangers captain Fernando Ricksen has been diagnosed with the rare life-threatening motor neurone disease.
The 37-year old Dutchman revealed on Wednesday night that he has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and could have less than five years to live.
Rangers manager Ally McCoist was quick to send his best wishes to Ricksen while offering the Glasgow club's full support.
"This is truly devasting news and the thoughts of everyone associated with Rangers Football Club are with Fernando," McCoist said on the club's official website.
"We will of course support Fernando and his family in any way we can and there is no doubt football is put into perspective when you hear news like this.
"I have seen images of Fernando in today's media and my heart goes out to him and his family. I cannot begin to imagine what he is going through at the moment.
"He enjoyed a fantastic career at Rangers, notably captaining Rangers to the title in 2005 at Easter Road, and I know our fans will also show their support for him."
