EX-Rangers star David Hagen has died aged just 47 following a two-year battle with motor neurone disease.
The former Light Blues midfielder, who also played for Hearts and Falkirk, was diagnosed with the incurable illness in 2018.
Ex-Rangers star David Hagen has passed awayCredit: Alamy
And he has finally succumbed to the terrible disease, leaving behind his family.
Rangers confirmed the tragic news in a statement on their website this evening.
It read: “Rangers Football Club is saddened by the news of the death of former player, David Hagen.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the wider family circle at such a difficult time.
“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 was hospitalised in October last year after his condition worsened, leaving him unable to speak.
A fundraiser was set up at the time to raise £5,000 to help support the former Ibrox ace and his family.
While Rangers’ development squad took on a Falkirk and Hearts XI in a benefit match for Hagen.
Hagen during his time at FalkirkCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Tributes have flooded in for the former Light Blues midfielder – who kicked off his career in 1992 and went on to play for Hearts and Falkirk.
Hibs ace Tam McManus wrote on Twitter: “Helped with a fundraiser for David & his family a wee while ago in Falkirk so knew he was struggling with MND.
“What a horrible illness. RIP David.”
And ex-Celtic ace Simon Donnelly wrote: “Horrific disease and sad news of a guy we grew up playing against.”
Rangers Spanish icon Nacho Novo also took to social media: “David Hagen rip my thoughts on friends and family.”
Rangers idol Fernando Ricksen – who passed away following a six-year battle with the illness last September – sent wishes of support to Hagen after he revealed he was fighting MND.
Hagen came through the youth ranks at Ibrox and scored three goals in 16 league appearances for the club before leaving in 1994.
He then spent a year at Hearts before moving on to Falkirk, where he played in 139 league games over the course of five years.
The midfielder later played for Livingston, Clyde and Peterhead before eventually retiring in 2007.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
