Former Rangers striker Nacho Novo announces death of son Ross, aged 26

Nacho Novo, the former Rangers striker who spent a decade in Scottish football, has announced the death of his son Ross, who was 26 years old. The 47-year-old shared the news on Instagram, writing that he was “absolutely broken” and asking for privacy for his family during what he called an “extremely difficult time”.

In his post, Novo wrote: “Nothing in my life could’ve prepared me for this post. We are absolutely broken to share the sad news that our beautiful boy has tragically passed away. Please respect our families privacy during this extremely difficult time. Forever in our hearts, my boy.”

Darvel FC, the Scottish club Novo currently manages, confirmed in a statement that the young man who had died was Novo’s stepson Ross. The club did not disclose the cause of death. “All at Darvel Football Club are devastated by the tragic news of the passing of our Team Manager, Nacho Novo’s, son Ross at the young age of 26,” the club wrote on Facebook. “The Club’s thoughts are with Nacho and his family at this sad time and we ask that everyone respects the families’ privacy during this extremely difficult time.”

Novo, originally from Galicia in Spain, arrived in Scotland in 2001 when he signed for Raith Rovers. He joined Rangers in 2004 for £450,000 and went on to make more than 250 appearances for the Ibrox club, becoming a popular figure among supporters. He met his wife Donna Clark in 2004 and the couple married in 2015.