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:
We are sending our love and prayers to @rioferdy5 and his family at this devastating time https://t.co/Ba0nkSxoi0
— Christine Bleakley (@clbleakley) May 2, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">Wayne Rooney said:
Devastated to hear about Rebecca. My prayers are with Rio and his family at this sad time.
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) May 2, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">Gary Lineker tweeted:
Thoughts are with Rio Ferdinand and his family. How dreadfully sad.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 2, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">Peter Crouch said:
Thoughts with @rioferdy5 and his family
— Peter Crouch (@petercrouch) May 2, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">And Peter Schmeichel tweeted:
Really sad news that Rebecca Ellison, the wife of Rio Ferdinand has past away. My condolences to Rio, their 3 children and the family. RIP
— Peter Schmeichel (@Pschmeichel1) May 2, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">West Ham United said:
Everyone at #WHUFC has been left deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of Rebecca, the wife of @rioferdy5 1/2 pic.twitter.com/bWEoCyP0MA
— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) May 2, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">The Club would like express its sincere condolences to #WHUFC Academy graduate @rioferdy5 and those closest to him at this sad time RIP 2/2
— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) May 2, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">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.
