The 36-year-old paid tribute to his wife in a statement released by Queens Park Rangers on Saturday

Rebecca Ferdinand, wife of QPR defender Rio, has passed away following a short battle with cancer.

The former England centre-back issued a short statement through QPR’s official website paying tribute to a “wonderful wife”.

The couple have been married since 2009 and have three children.

“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,” he wrote.

“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 players wore black armbands as a sign or respect during their Premier League clash with Liverpool on Saturday.

Source Goal