Rio Ferdinand's wife Rebecca Ellison dies from cancer

The wife of former Manchester United and England captain Rio Ferdinand has died from cancer.

The QPR defender, 36, released a statement saying his "wonderful wife and soul mate" Rebecca Ellison had "passed away peacefully" at a London hospital.

Ms Ellison, 34, who married Ferdinand in 2009, had breast cancer. Rebecca Ellison has long suffered from the disease and suffering for many years so she had to commute hospital due to the disease often recurs.

She leaves behind three children, Lorenz, nine, Tate, six, and four-year-old Tia.

In a statement, Ferdinand said she died on Friday night.

With the disease suffered by his wife, Ferdinand very concerned about the condition of his beloved wife and worried about her three children if his wife would later abandoned.

"Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London," the footballer said on QPR's website.

"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.

Ferdinand loved his wife. Their relationship is known to be very romantic and away from gossip. Even when they first establish a relationship and to get married, they never quarreled.  The pair were totally devoted to each other and understands the likes and dislikes of each of them.

"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."

Ferdinand thanked the staff who treated his wife at the south London hospital, adding: "I would also like to express my gratitude for the dedication and expertise of the staff led by Professors Johnstone and Clark at the Royal Marsden.

"Their valiant efforts to prolong Rebecca's all-too-short life will not be forgotten."

Ellison is known as a cheerful and very friendly towards others. He never looked at the status of the event the person is rich or poor, she still treats them well. For her children she is the mother figure that patient, attentive and always keep them well. Messages of support have been posted on Twitter from the world of football.

QPR's Joey Barton

QPR and Liverpool players wore black armbands during their match

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel wrote: "Really sad news that Rebecca Ellison, the wife of Rio Ferdinand has passed away. My condolences to Rio, their children and the family. RIP"

BBC presenter and former England captain Gary Lineker tweeted: "Thoughts are with Rio Ferdinand and his family. How dreadfully sad."

Leroy Fer

Leroy Fer lifted his shirt to reveal a message to the Ferdinand family on scoring

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."

Manchester United said: "Everybody's thoughts at #mufc are with Rio Ferdinand today, whose wife sadly passed away last night."

Ferdinand, who grew up in Peckham, south-east London, was capped by England 81 times and has also played for West Ham United and Leeds United.

Both sets of players wore black armbands in QPR's match against Liverpool at Anfield, which the home team won 2-1.

When Leroy Fer scored in the 73rd minute, he lifted his shirt to reveal a "stay strong family Ferdinand" message.

Other team-mates also tweeted their condolences.

QPR captain Joey Barton posted: "Just heard the terrible news. RIP Rebecca."

Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy wrote: "Devastating news about Rebecca Ferdinand... My thoughts go out to him and his family."

With the departure of Ellison, Ferdinand very sorry I have not had time to placate his wife for the last time. He was very fortunate and grateful to Ellison for being a mother and a good wife for his family.

Not only that, Ferdinand was also grateful to his wife because always giving spirit every day. Moreover, with the death of Ellison, Ferdinand should be responsible and keep her three children as a single parent.