Fernando Ricksen kit tribute planned as Rangers legend to be remembered by former club on fifth anniversary of passing

The fifth anniversary of Fernando Ricksen’s death is set to be marked by one of his former clubs when they take on Ajax wearing a special memorial kit.

The late Rangers legend passed away on September 18, 2019, following a six-year battle against motor neuron disease. Now Fortuna Sittard, where Ricksen started and finished his glittering career, are planning to mark the date by releasing a strip paying tribute to the ex-Ibrox and Netherlands star. And they will wear the new jersey when they travel to Amsterdam on the latest anniversary of Ricksen’s death next Wednesday to take on Dutch giants Ajax at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Sittard fan Martijn Schwillens revealed the news on X, posting: “Just a few more days and then @FortunaSittard launches her third outfit. An ode to club legend Fernando Ricksen, who died five years ago on September 18 from the effects of ALS. The socials have already been filmed, including in Glasgow. Very curious to see the end result.”

Ricksen kicked-off his career with Sittard in 1994 before moving to Eredivisie rivals AZ Alkmaar. It was there that he impressed Gers’ then Dutch boss Dick Advocaat, who lured him to Glasgow as part of a £3.75million switch. After a tough start at Ibrox, Ricksen would go on to become a fans favourite, winning two league titles, two Scottish Cups and three League Cups during a six-year stay in Scotland.

In 2005, he skippered the club to their famous title triumph on Helicopter Sunday - and was named that season’s joint SPFA player of the year alongside Celtic rival John Hartson. He left Rangers in 2006 after a fall-out with new boss Paul Le Guen but enjoyed success with Advocaat again in Russia as they paired up to win the UEFA Cup in 2008 - defeating their old Ibrox