Thousands gather for funeral of former Rangers star Fernando Ricksen

Ex-teammates of Fernando Ricksen have joined his family and thousands of fans for a final farewell to the former Rangers star, who died after a long battle with motor neurone disease.

A copy of the funeral booklet for Fernando Ricksen

Supporters of the Glasgow club gathered outside Ibrox Stadium as the funeral cortege of the former Light Blues captain halted briefly outside.

Ricksen's wife Veronika and their family, wearing black football tops with his surname and the number two on the back, left the cars and went into the stadium for a few minutes.

Fernando Ricksen's coffin is carried into the church

Shortly before the cortege's arrival at the ground, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and the first team were dropped off by a coach.

Fans applauded the squad's arrival and continued as two other coaches drove past - with one carrying nurses who had cared for Ricksen, as well as club legends Mark Hateley and Richard Gough.

Mourners also gathered at Wellington Church in Glasgow, where the funeral service is being held.

A number of Ricksen's former Rangers teammates, including Tore Andre Flo, Nacho Novo, Neil McCann and Peter Lovenkrands, arrived together.

The hearse carrying Fernando Ricksen's body drives through Glasgow's streets

Celtic manager Neil Lennon, who came up against Ricksen in his playing days, was also in attendance.

"It's sad but proud as well, it just shows you how much people liked the guy as a footballer and a person.

"I'd met him a couple of times at the training and he always took time out to take pictures and sign stuff.

"He could have a laugh with you and stop and talk to you, he was really good."

Another fan, Stefan Souttar, had only watched highlights of Ricksen but said: "You see all the different clubs here (among the tributes). I've seen a Villarreal scarf and all the Celtic tops.

"It just shows he was a well-liked guy. Even though there's the Rangers and Celtic rivalry, they still come together for respect."