The wife of Rio Ferdinand has died following a short battle with cancer.

The Queens Park Rangers defender confirmed the news that his "soul mate" Rebecca Ellison had passed away on the club's official website.

"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," read a statement from the 36-year-old former England international.

"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."

Ms Ellison, who married Ferdinand in 2009, leaves behind three children - Lorenz (nine) Tate (six) and four-year-old Tia.

The QPR players will wear black armbands during their away clash at Liverpool this afternoon as a mark of respect.