Just saw this R.I.P dear ma'am "Life doesn't end here" --Andres Escobar



QPR defender's wife, Rebecca, has died after a short battle with cancer
The wife of Rio Ferdinand, the former England captain, has died after a short battle with cancer, leaving behind three young children.
Rebecca Ellison, 34, died on Friday night at the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she was being treated. It is understood she had been suffering from breast cancer.
In a moving statement, Ferdinand, 36, described his wife as his “soul mate” who would “live on... as a guide and inspiration”. With it, Ferdinand also posted online a photograph of himself with his wife taken in happier times.
Devastated to hear about the loss of Rebecca, my thoughts are with Rio and their family at this terribly sad time.— Michael Carrick (@carras16) May 2, 2015
The couple, who married in 2009, have three children Lorenz, nine, Tate, six, and four-year-old Tia.
Rio Ferdinand has paid tribute to his wife Rebecca
In a statement published on the website of Ferdinand’s current club Queen’s Park Rangers, the footballer said yesterday: “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.
“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.”
• Time to salute Rio Ferdinand - role model and hero
He went on to thank the doctors who treated her following the diagnosis of cancer in recent weeks, singling out Stephen Johnston, Professor of Breast Cancer Medicine at the Royal Marsden, for praise.
Ferdinand said: “I would also like to express my gratitude for the dedication and expertise of the staff... at the Royal Marsden. Their valiant efforts to prolong Rebecca’s all-too-short life will not be forgotten.”
He added: “Our grief, as a family, is total. We would appreciate being allowed to mourn privately.”
The thoughts of all of us at BT Sport are with Rio Ferdinand & his children Tia, Tate and Lorenz after the heartbreaking death of his wife.— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) May 2, 2015
Ferdinand, formerly of West Ham, Leeds and Manchester United, had been excused from the Queen’s Park Rangers team for the past few weeks although his absence had not been explained publicly until now. The players are due to wear black arm bands for today’s away match at Liverpool.
Friends of Ferdinand expressed their sorrow today.
Thoughts with @rioferdy5and his family— Peter Crouch (@petercrouch) May 2, 2015
His former Manchester United team mate Wayne Rooney posted on Twitter: “Devastated to hear about Rebecca. My prayers are with Rio and his family at this sad time.”
Gary Lineker, the former England striker and match of the day presenter, wrote: “Thoughts are with Rio Ferdinand and his family. How dreadfully sad,” while Michael Vaughan, the former England cricket captain, posted: “Incredibly sad news... Thinking of you @rioferdy5 and your young family.”
Thoughts are with Rio Ferdinand and his family. How dreadfully sad.— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 2, 2015
Manchester United used its club Twitter account to express condolences. “Everybody’s thoughts at #mufc are with Rio Ferdinand today, whose wife sadly passed away last night,” the club said.
Former Aston Villa and England striker Dion Dublin added: "My thoughts are with @rioferdy5 his children and his family....... RIP Becky."
Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam wrote: "Thoughts with @rioferdy5 and his family on such terrible news."
Ferdinand joined QPR last summer after 12 trophy-laden years at United following the Hoops' return to the Premier League and has made 12 appearances for them this season. He had not been included in the squad in recent weeks.
Thoughts with @rioferdy5and his family on such terrible news.— Charlie Adam (@Charlie26Adam) May 2, 2015
QPR also paid tribute to Ferdinand's wife, who was 34 when she died, and announced that their players would wear black armbands against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
In a statement, the west London club said: "The thoughts of everyone at Queens Park Rangers Football Club are with Rio and his family at this immensely difficult time."
A statement on Liverpool's website read: "Liverpool FC offers its deepest condolences to Rio and his family and friends at this sad time."
Just heard the terrible news. My heart goes out to @rioferdy5and his family. RIP Rebecca— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 2, 2015
A whole host of QPR players also paid their respects on Twitter, with midfielder Karl Henry tweeting: "Devastated to hear the sad news of Rio's wife passing. All of our thoughts are with him and his family."
Rio Ferdinand statement in full:
"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.
Devastated to hear the sad news of Rio's wife passing. All of our thoughts are with him and his family.— Karl Henry (@karlhenry08) May 2, 2015
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.
Rio Ferdinand in training
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."

RIP RIO' s wife!