Fernando Ricksen’s widow said her heart goes out to the family of former Rangers star David Hagen after his death from motor neurone disease.
The midfielder passed away aged just 47 only 11 months after fellow star Fernando died from the same muscle wasting disease, at 43.
Veronika, 33, said: “I know exactly how his family are feeling and my heart really goes out to them.
“It is a terrible, awful disease. I really hope his family and friends can keep strong and support each other through this terrible time. It is so hard to see a loved one suffer with this.”
But she said she was sure the Rangers family and fans would be there for Hagan’s loved ones, just as they had helped her.
She said: “The Rangers fans and their messages of support were a great comfort to us and I am sure they will be the same for David’s family. Fernando and David played at different time but the fans loved him too.
“I am sure people coming together and showing their support at this awful time will be a great source of comfort to his family. People will show their respect and love and it will be appreciated.”
Hagen’s playing career kicked off in 1992 under Walter Smith and he will be remembered for his part in the famous
nine-in-a-row side when Rangers won the treble and came within one game of the Champions League final.
Hagen left Ibrox in 1994 and spent a season at Hearts before joining Falkirk, where he made over 100 appearances for the club.
They confirmed in 2018 that their former player had the disease. At the time, Fernando send a message of support.
Veronika, who now lives in Spain with the couple’s daughter Isabella, said: “This again shows how bad it is.
It is so hard to try cope with seeing your family member suffer and then to have to deal with their loss.
It is so difficult. We must get a cure for this disease as soon as possible.” Ally McCoist called Hagen “a great, great lad” and said he was devastated by his death.
He said: “So cruel. I can still picture him walking into that dressing room as a fresh-faced kid.
“A talented young player and he had to be to break into that Rangers team, which wasn’t an easy thing to do.
“But as well as being a fine footballer, most of all he was just a great, great lad with a lovely manner about him.
“My heart goes out to his family and close friends.”
Hagen was hospitalised in October after his condition worsened, leaving him unable to speak, and fundraisers were set up to help his family.
Other players paid their own tributes on social media.
Light Blues idol Nacho Novo added: “David Hagen RIP. My thoughts on friends and family.”
Former Celtic star Simon Donnelly wrote: “Horrific disease and sad news of a guy we grew up playing against.”
A Rangers spokesman said: “We send our heartfelt condolences. Words cannot express, nor provide comfort,
for a family during these circumstances.
“David will be remembered for his part in the famous Nine in a Row side and featured in the amazing 1992-93 season when Rangers won the treble and came within one game of the Champions League final.”
Hagen joined Hearts from Rangers in 1994 and played 35 competitive games for them, scoring five goals.
In a statement, the club said: “Everyone at Hearts is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David Hagen.”
