Rio Ferdinand and his late wife Rebecca. Image @QPR

The former England soccer captain and current QPR defender Rio Ferdinand has announced that his wife had died after a short illness at the age of 34.

He said: ‘Our grief, as a family, is total. We would appreciate being allowed to mourn privately.’

In a moving statement released by Queens Park Rangers on his behalf Rio said:

My soul mate 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.

Condolences were expressed throughout the world of sport, including from Liverpool FC whom QPR will be facing later today.

Rio added:

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.

Queens Park Rangers Football Club said their thoughts ‘are with Rio and his family at this immensely difficult time,’ and announced other respectful gestures in memory of Rio’s wife.

The thoughts of everyone at @QPRFC are with @rioferdy5 and his family at this immensely difficult time

— QPR FC (@QPRFC) May 2, 2015

.@QPRFC will wear black armbands today in the wake of the sad passing of @rioferdy5‘s wife, Rebecca pic.twitter.com/BargAD5Niq

— QPR FC (@QPRFC) May 2, 2015

5′ Chants of ‘Rio, Rio, Rio’ and a minute’s applause break out from the @QPRFC faithful in the away end #LIVvQPR

— QPR FC (@QPRFC) May 2, 2015