Queens Park Rangers

Chris Ramsey pays tribute to "man-mountain" Rio Ferdinand

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 03 May 2015

Chris Ramsey admits that the tragic passing of Rio Ferdinand's wife helps put Queens Park Rangers's relegation scrap into perspective.

Queens Park Rangers manager Chris Ramsey has offered his full support to Rio Ferdinand following the tragic death of the player's wife.

The former England international revealed yesterday morning that his "soul mate" Rebecca Ellison had passed away at the age of just 34 after a short battle with cancer.

Both QPR and Saturday afternoon opponents Liverpool wore black armbands as a mark of respect, while supporters of Ferdinand's former club Manchester United also held a minute's applause during their match against West Bromwich Albion.

"It does put things into perspective," Ramsey is quoted as saying by The Telegraph. "There is a very solemn atmosphere in the dressing room. Everyone at the club will tell you, as a man, he has been fantastic.

"He has come in and trained and kept it all to himself. He is not been moping and has talked to all the young players. He has been a man-mountain.

"We only have good things to say about him and the way he has conducted himself. Our thoughts are with him and his family and hope they can pull together and find strength at this tragic moment."

Ms Ellison leaves behind three children - Lorenz, Tate and Tia.