Former Rangers player Fernando Ricksen has died at age 43 after a six-year battle with motor neurone disease, the Ibrox club have confirmed.

The Dutch international had been battling the condition since 2013.

Ricksen was a fans' favourite during his six-year spell at Rangers after being signed by Dick Advocaat in 2000.

He helped the club win the domestic cup double in 2002, the treble in 2003 and was captain for a trophy double in 2005.

Rangers said they were "deeply saddened" to be announcing the news of Ricksen's passing.

"The thoughts of everyone at Rangers is today with his wife Veronika, his daughter Isabella and all his family and friends," the club added.