Ex-Rangers star Fernando Ricksen diagnosed with motor neurone disease

Former Rangers and Netherlands defender Fernando Ricksen has revealed that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

During his appearance on live Dutch TV show The World Keeps Turning, the 37-year-old was close to tears as he asked the author of his book Vincent de Vries to explain on his behalf how he had discovered that he had the terminal illness.

Vries stated that Ricksen was diagnosed last month with Amyotrphic Lateral Sclerosis, which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

"The medical people have said my condition could worsen quickly," said Ricksen. "I do not know any more."

Ricksen spent six years playing for Rangers from 2000 before signing for Zenit St Petersburg.