Both friends and rivals offered nice tributes to Rio Ferdinand after the death of his wife

Soccer - Cristiano Ronaldo 30th Birthday Package PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

RIO FERDINAND’S WIFE, Rebecca Ellison, passed away last night after a battle with cancer and Twitter has been flooded with messages paying sympathy to the former Man United defender and his family.

Both former team-mates and on-pitch foes have paid really nice tributes to Ferdinand and his wife.

Everybody's thoughts at #mufc are with Rio Ferdinand today, whose wife sadly passed away last night. pic.twitter.com/OV8SKb6K75
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 2, 2015

Manchester United / Twitter

Thoughts are with Rio Ferdinand and his family. How dreadfully sad.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 2, 2015

Gary Lineker / Twitter

Can't believe I am actually writing this, absolutely devastated to hear the news about Rebecca. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rio,
— Coleen Rooney (@ColeenRoo) May 2, 2015

Coleen Rooney / Twitter

their 3 beautiful children and family at this sad time. I have such Happy memories of a devoted and loving mum. Rest in peace Rebecca xx
— Coleen Rooney (@ColeenRoo) May 2, 2015

Coleen Rooney / Twitter

So so sad to hear the news about Rebecca, my thoughts and prayers are with @rioferdy5, Your Children and All Family ❤️
— Ashley Young (@youngy18) May 2, 2015

Ashley Young / Twitter

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

Peter Schmeichel / Twitter

Just heard the terrible news. My heart goes out to @rioferdy5 and his family. RIP Rebecca
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) May 2, 2015

Joseph Barton / Twitter

Thinking of @rioferdy5 and his young family.. RIP Rebecca..
— Harry Kewell (@HarryKewell) May 2, 2015

Harry Kewell / Twitter

Both friends and rivals offered nice tributes to Rio Ferdinand after the death of his wife

Rebecca Ellison – the wife of footballer Rio Ferdinand – has died

Some Liverpool fans are flying a ‘Rodgers Out, Rafa In’ banner over Anfield today