Ex-Rangers star Fernando Ricksen reveals health is deteriorating

Fernando Ricksen has vowed to keep fighting against motor neurone disease despite his health deteriorating over the past year.

The ex-Rangers star was diagnosed with the terminal disease in 2013, which he revealed on Dutch television.

In recent months he’s begun to lose further strength in his arms and neck.

Speaking to the Scottish Sun after the fourth anniversary of his diagnosis, Ricksen says he’s fully aware of his outlook but will continue to use his energy to try and beat the illness.

He said: “I know what the outcome will be of this terminal disease, but I’m not going to waste any time or energy worrying about future.

“I’m realistic and know that, at the moment, there is no cure for MND. But the outlook hasn’t changed and is still terminal and there are no new treatments at the moment.

“I’m not going down without a fight and will never give up. I certainly don’t expect to die soon and I’m still making plans for the future.

“I’m still convinced I’ll be the first person to beat MND.”