Rangers fans have been quick to pay tribute to the “courage” of Fernando Ricksen following news of his death.
The Dutchman in the early hours of this morning, aged just 43.
Mark Dingwall, editor of the FollowFollow website, said: "I was very privileged to meet him a few times after he was diagnosed.
“I and other Rangers fans were astounded by the courage he showed.
“He was very focussed on leaving a legacy for his wife and his daughter Isabella, who he obviously adored.
“And he was also very keen to help other people and other families in similar situations.”
Fernando’s friend and biographer, Vincent De Vries tweeted a photo of the ex-Ranger saying only: "The fight is over.....RIP 1976-2019.”
Ricksen was a popular player at Ibrox given his full-blooded commitment and determined approach to the game.
He spent six years in Scotland, and his time with Rangers was eventful as he won two league titles, two Scottish Cups and three League Cups.
The former Dutch international, who picked up a dozen caps for his country, also won the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award alongside John Hartson in 2005.
Craig Houston, founder of the fans group Sons of Struth said: "It is shocking. Most people expected this to happen at some point.
“But to hear the news this morning is just really really saddening.
“He was 43 years old and that just puts it into perspective. He was a family man and a hero on the pitch.
“But even more so his battle over the past few years and how dignified he was dealing with his illness.
“In true Fernando style he fought it with everything and probably got a lot longer than normal people with the same condition.
“Rangers fans have so much respect for him over the past few years and that possibly even outshines even his tremendous achievements on the football pitch.
“It is a tribute to his strength and his character how he coped.
“He won a lot of honours with Rangers as a player and a captain, but I think when you look at the whole story of Fernando Ricksen it puts him head and shoulders above many others.
“There’s not many above him in the affection he will be held in because of his courage both on and off the park.”
Rangers' great rivals Celtic also paid a moving tribute.
Chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “Everyone at Celtic would like to extend their most sincere and heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Fernando Ricksen following today’s news that he has passed away.
"Fernando was part of Scottish Football for a number of years and for him to be taken so young is a huge tragedy.
“He fought this terrible condition with such courage and we should all admire and respect the inspirational way in which he tackled the challenge which he faced.
“He showed immense bravery throughout. Our thoughts and prayers of course are with Fernando’s family and friends at such a difficult time.”
The widow of Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone, who also died from the condition, also paid tribute.
Writing on Twitter Agnes Johnstone said:"My sincere condolences in the passing of Fernado Ricksen."May God Bless him and all his family at this time. "Fernando was a very brave man. "Agnes Johnstone."
