The ex-Ibrox star paid tribute to the world's best supporters in his message to Celtic and Gers fans.Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our personalised newsletter.A close pal and biographer of the former Ibrox right-back Vincent de Vries took to Twitter to share a message.The post which shared an emotional message saying Ricksen, 42, feels "very proud" was accompanied by a picture of him battling against former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov, who was diagnosed and beat Leukaemia.In a tweet Vincent de Vries wrote: "Fernando: "I’d like to thank the world’s best supporters - yep, that’s Rangers AND Celtic - for supporting me. Fernando Ricksen during his playing days for Rangers during the 2005/06 season (Image: SNS). Ricksen, formerly of Fortuna Sittard, joined Rangers in 2000 from Dutch team AZ Alkmaar for a transfer fee of £3.75 million.. Ricksen endured a difficult start to his Rangers career, culminating in him being substituted after a torrid 21 minutes in a 6–2 defeat to Celtic.On his second trip to Celtic Park six months later, he was sent off before half-time in another defeat. FERNANDO RICKSEN'S death has seen tributes flood in from fans of Rangers and rivals Celtic. CELTIC have confirmed they'll hold a minute's applause for Fernando Ricksen before Sunday's clash with Kilmarnock. Celtic will pay tribute to Fernando Ricksen before Sunday's match with Kilmarnock. A passionate bluenose, Cameron is the Lead Journalist with Rangers News and the Head of Sport (Scotland) for GRV Media. Fans were also quick to remember the Ibrox hero. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)Supporters of other clubs generally don’t understand – even if both sides generally resent one another.So after Fernando Ricksen passed away, the large outpouring of respect and sorrow being expressed by the Celtic legions is to their club’s credit.Yes – much as would be the case if the roles reversed – there will be a faint echo of those who’re best left ignored.But similarly to the passing of Celtic’s European Cup-winning captain Billy McNeill and 'A huge loss' – Celtic boss Neil Lennon saddened by Fernando Ricksen's passingBut what’s been perhaps most refreshing is the response from the average Celtic supporter.The right-back-turned-midfielder revelled in the tenacity of the Old Firm pressure cooker. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)Ricksen – a player who more than most embodied that No Surrender edge of a Rangers warrior – is someone who in his prime was arguably the most universally disliked amongst the Celtic faithful.And yet club rivalry has been put aside to pay tribute to a man who fought such a debilitating illness with class, dignity and unbelievable courage.That unity between blue and green this afternoon is Fernando Ricksen, a warrior until the very end, paid tribute to both Rangers and Celtic fans before he passed. You are both great, but together you are even greater.

You can unsubscribe at any time. Celtic players take part in a minute's applause as a tribute to former Rangers player Fernando Ricksen before the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. PIC OF THE DAY: Today we take a moment to remember And a … Cameron Willis is a professional journalist with wide-ranging experience across communications and media. (Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)“I’d like to thank the world’s best supporters,” said Fernando [via “Yep, that’s Rangers AND Celtic – for supporting me. Ourexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. Join thousands of others who have signed up to our Record Sport newsletter.The champions will hold a minute's applause at Parkhead as they remember the Dutchman who spent six years with Rangers.A statement from the Parkhead club said:"There will be a minute’s applause before Sunday's game against Kimarnock at Celtic Park in memory of Fernando Ricksen who passed away this week. Ourexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights.