According to reports in Netherlands, ex-AZ, and Rangers defender Fernando Ricksen has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
- By Michael Bell
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According to Dutch newspaper De Telgraaf, Ricksen has been diagnosed with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The diagnosis was delivered to the player this week, and the former Netherlands international also made an announcement on Dutch TV show De Wereld Draait Door, discussing his condition.
ALS is a disease which targets the muscles, leading them to not function properly, with sufferers common to die within a few years of diagnosis.
Ricksen has faced many fights during his career, and has coped with alcohol addiction in the past, but this battle with ALS is going to be his toughest. As of now there is no drugs known to cure the disease, but there are ones that can prolong the life of the sufferer.
In his career, Ricksen represented Fortuna Sittard, AZ Alkmaar, Rangers, and Zenit st Petersburg, whilst also representing Netherlands on 12 occasions.
This is terrible news for Ricksen, and his whole family. We wish him all the best with his treatment.
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Terrible news!! Fernando our prayers are with you. Always one my favourite player at Rangers. Keep believing.