Tributes paid to Fernando Ricksen as thousands gather in Glasgow for funeral of former Rangers captain

Euan Parsons25 September 2019

Tributes were paid to former Rangers captain Fernando Ricksen as thousands of mourners gathered in Glasgow for his funeral.

Huge crowds lined the streets outside Ibrox as the funeral cortege drove past, before Ricksen's former Rangers team-mates Michael Mols, Thomas Buffel and Nacho Novo carried the coffin into Wellington Church in Glasgow's west end.

After the service, the trio had warm words to say about their close friend, who died last week aged 43 after a six-year battle with motor neurone disease.

Former Rangers midfielder Buffel said: "For a lot of people he was an example and a hero. That's why they turned up in numbers.

"He was a true captain and even when we were down, he kept us going."

Dutchman Mols said: "There was a lot of support so it showed how well Fernando was loved. It was a great service.

"What always stays in my mind is he always gave 100 per cent on and off the pitch.

"When we were on the bus and we spoke of all the things with Fernando, all the memories came up again and we were laughing.

"All the stories come up again and it makes us smile, always."

Former Light Blues striker Novo said: "It's very hard because he was a great person, a good captain and leader.

"He's always loved by all the Rangers fans and every single club as well.

"It's sad but he will always be there protecting us."

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