Ricksen to remain at Ibrox until 2009
Tuesday, 15 February 2005 16:14Rangers midfielder Fernando Ricksen has signed a new contract which commits him to the club until 2009.
The news could not have come at a better time for the club as they gear up for an Old Firm derby against Celtic on Sunday.
The 28-year-old - who would have been out of contract in the summer said it was the club's determination to keep him which convinced him to stay.
He said: "I am delighted to have signed an extension to my contract.
"The fact that the club did not accept a good offer for me in January showed
their commitment to me as a player - and now I want to show my commitment to
Rangers in return.
"That is why I have signed this deal."
The Dutchman has transformed himself into one of Rangers' most influential
players and manager Alex McLeish was determined to hold on to the player, even in the face of a substantial offer from Everton.
Ricksen added that Barry Ferguson's return to Ibrox from Blackburn last month also played a part in his decision.
