QPR defender Rio Ferdinand loses wife to cancer

Rio Ferdinand’s wife Rebecca has died following a short battle with cancer.

The QPR defender revealed in a statement released on the club’s website that his wife passed away aged 34 on Friday night in hospital.

'My soul mate slipped away last night. Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London,” he said.

“She was a fantastic loving mother to our three beautiful children. She will be missed as a wife, sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter. She will live on in our memory, as a guide and inspiration.

“Myself, my parents Janice and Julian, along with Rebecca's parents Lesley and Stephen, would like to thank our families, friends and my club colleagues who have rallied around in these desperate days, weeks and months.

“I would also like to express my gratitude for the dedication and expertise of the staff led by Professors Johnstone and Clarke at the Royal Marsden. Their valiant efforts to prolong Rebecca's all-too-short life will not be forgotten.

“Our grief, as a family, is total. We would appreciate being allowed to mourn privately.”

The couple were married in the summer of 2009 after Ferdinand had helped Manchester United win a third successive Premier League title and the club, where he won six league titles and the Champions League, were among those to pay their respects.

Ferdinand wore the number five shirt at United and the fifth minute of Saturday evening's Premier League encounter against West Brom at Old Trafford sparked applause and chants of "Rio, Rio, Rio" from the home fans, while players from both sides wore black armbands.

The 36-year-old joined QPR last summer after 12 trophy-laden years at United and the Hoops, whose players wore black armbands against Liverpool, also expressed their sympathy.

In a statement, the west London club said: "The thoughts of everyone at Queens Park Rangers Football Club are with Rio and his family at this immensely difficult time."

Players past and present were also among those to pass on their condolences to the 36-year-old defender.

Ferdinand's former United and England team-mates Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Michael Owen among those to pay tribute on Twitter

Rooney wrote: "Devastated to hear about Rebecca. My prayers are with Rio and his family at this sad time."

Owen posted: "Stunned to hear about @rioferdy5's wife. Thoughts with him and his family."

Smalling, who played many times alongside Ferdinand in the heart of United's defence, added: "Incredibly sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with @rioferdy5 and his young family."

"Thoughts are with Rio Ferdinand and his family. How dreadfully sad," Gary Lineker tweeted, while Ferdinand's former England team-mate Peter Crouch wrote: "Thoughts with @rioferdy5 and his family."

Former Aston Villa and international striker Dion Dublin added: "My thoughts are with @rioferdy5 his children and his family....... RIP Becky."

Liverpool offered their condolences ahead of Saturday's Premier League match between the Reds and QPR, Steven Gerrard handing a bouquet of flowers to Ferdinand's team-mate Joey Barton before kick-off.

QPR midfielder Leroy Fer revealed a message of support to the Ferdinand family on his base layer after scoring at Anfield and was one of a number of Hoops players to let their team-mate know he was in their thoughts.

Club captain Joey Barton wrote: "Just heard the terrible news. My heart goes out to @rioferdy5 and his family. RIP Rebecca."