Rio Ferdinand’s wife Rebecca Ellison dies from cancer

Ferdinand said in a statement that his “wonderful wife” passed away peacefully at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

"My soul-mate slipped away last night,” Ferdinand 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."

QPR added to the statement: “The thoughts of everyone at Queens Park Rangers Football Club are with Rio and his family at this immensely difficult time."

Ferdinand and Ellison have three children: nine-year-old Lorenz, six-year-old Tate and four-year-old Tia.