The wife of QPR player Rio Ferdinand, Rebecca, has died aged 33 years, from cancer.

The announcement was made by the QPR defender and former England captain on the official website of the club.

It said: "My soulmate slipped away last night. Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

"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 Leslie and Stephen, would like to thank our families, friends and my club's 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 Clarice 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."