Rio Ferdinand’s wife has died from cancer at the age of 34.
The QPR defender released a statement saying his “wonderful wife and soul mate” Rebecca Ellison had “passed away peacefully” at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
Ms Ellison, who had breast cancer, married Ferdinand in 2009. She leaves three children, aged nine, six and four.
Former England international Ferdinand, who joined QPR last summer after 12 years at Manchester United, added: “Our grief, as a family, is total. We would appreciate being allowed to mourn privately.”
Rangers players will wear black armbands in the match against Liverpool this afternoon as a mark of respect.
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This post was last modified on 02/05/2015