England star Rio Ferdinand mourns death of wife at 34

The 34-years-old wife of former Manchester United player and England captain Rio Ferdinand has died, the player announced Saturday.

Ferdinand now plays for London club QPR and later today the club's team will be wearing black arm bands in their Premiership game against Liverpool at Anfield.

Ferdinand said his wife died at a London Hospital after battling breast cancer.

In a brief statement, issued on QPR's website, the player, describing his wife as his soul mate, said: "Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London."

She leaves behind three children, Lorenz, nine, Tate, six, and four-year-old Tia.

Ferdinand added: "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."

Ferdinand also thanked the staff who treated his wife at the hospital, adding: "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."

Ferdinand, one of England's most popular and respected players, was born and brought up in London and won more than 80 caps as an England player. He made more than 300 appearances with Manchester United between 2002 and last year when he signed with QPR. Endit