Former Rangers striker Nacho Novo has announced the death of his stepson Ross, 26, sharing the tragic news on Instagram on Tuesday.
The 47-year-old, now manager of West of Scotland side Darvel FC, said he was “absolutely broken” as he confirmed the loss to his followers.
Darvel FC subsequently issued their own statement confirming the news and offering their support to Novo and his family.
Neither Novo nor the club has disclosed a cause of death, and both have asked for the family’s privacy to be respected during what they describe as an extremely difficult time.
Instagram Tribute and Darvel FC Confirmation
Novo posted photographs of himself and Ross alongside other family members as he broke the news to supporters who followed his playing career at Ibrox. In his message, he 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, where Novo has been Team Manager, moved quickly to confirm the news in an official Facebook post, extending their condolences to their manager and his family. The club’s statement read:
“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’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.”
The statement detailed that Ross was Novo’s stepson, as relayed by The Independent.
Nacho Novo’s Career and Rangers Connection
Novo remains one of the most popular figures to have worn the Rangers shirt in the modern era, a status built on his energy, work rate and knack for scoring vital goals.
None more so than the winning penalty against Fiorentina in the 2008 UEFA Cup semi-final.
Born in Galicia, Spain, he began his career in Scottish football with Raith Rovers in 2001 before catching the eye of clubs north and south of the border.
Rangers moved to sign him in 2004 for a fee of £450,000, and he went on to make more than 250 appearances for the Ibrox club across a spell that saw him become a firm favourite with supporters.
