Footballers and soccer fans joined Rio Ferdinand, former England captain, in prayers and mourning for his wife Rebecca Ellison who died after a short battle with breast cancer.

Ferdinand, 36, a defender for Queens Park Rangers, said in a statement on his club's website that his "wonderful wife and soul mate" had passed away peacefully at the Royal Marsden.

The couple had three children, Lorenz, nine, Tate, six, and Tia, four.

Ferdinand said: "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."

He 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. Our grief, as a family, is total. We would appreciate being allowed to mourn privately."

There was an outpouring of prayers and support for Ferdinand on Twitter.

Christine Bleakley said she and Frank Lampard were sending love and prayers:

Wayne Rooney said:

Gary Lineker tweeted: 

Peter Crouch said: 

And Peter Schmeichel tweeted: 

West Ham United said: 

Chelsea also sent condolences. Manchester City said the club was "saddened to hear about the loss of Rio Ferdinand's wife Rebecca and send condolences to his family at this sad time."

Queens Park Rangers said the club's thoughts were with Ferdinand and his family at "this immensely difficult time". The players are wearing black armbands today for the match against Liverpool at Anfield to mark her passing.