Man Utd legend Jaap Stam has paid a “special” tribute to Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen.
It comes with the former Dutch international centre-back visiting Ibrox for the upcoming Weekend of Legends.
Former Lazio star Jaap Stam is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation and he knew Fernando Ricksen from the Netherlands set-up.
But beyond that Jaap Stam was actually the Feyenoord manager on that fateful Ibrox night when the stadium turned orange in honour of Fernando Ricksen.
This was in September 2019 after the death of the former Rangers star following a long and public battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
Speaking to RangersTV ahead of the Weekend of Legends match, ex-Man Utd hero Jaap Stam paid tribute to Ricksen and recalled an emotional night in Glasgow.
“That game was special, not just because we played against Rangers, but also because of Fernando,” said Jaap Stam.
“His illness was hard to see. It was tragic for him, his family and all the people that knew him.
“It is always difficult to see these situations because Fernando was a great guy to be with as a player and a person.
“The situation made the game very special for us. We did not get the result but Rangers had a great team and we were not good enough on the night.”
The Gers won the Europa League group stage clash 1-0 courtesy of a long range Sheyi Oyo strike.
Stam also paid tribute to Ricksen by laying flowers at Ibrox before the game.
Jaap Stam ready for Rangers Weekend of Legends
Jaap Stam has also been talking about the upcoming Rangers Weekend of Legends clash where he will take to the pitch alongside several of football’s biggest names.
A big name in his own right, the ex-Feyenoord coach is excited about the upcoming clash and is looking forward to visiting Glasgow.
“It is always nice to play in these legends games of course,” said Stam.
“Going to Glasgow is a little bit special for me as I have not been there a lot but I am looking forward to the crowd and to be in the city.”
The Rangers Legends side is set to be managed by Alex McLeish whilst Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler will take charge of the World XI.