String of Manchester United stars attend Rio Ferdinand's wife's funeral

Sir Alex was joined by striker Robin van Persie and Ferdinand's former defensive partner Nemanja Vidic.

Darren Fletcher and Edwin van der Sar also attended the service.

Family is everything.. Duno what I'd do without my mad lot," tweeted Ferdinand's sister Sian.

"She was a fantastic loving mother to our three beautiful children," it read.

"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.

"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."

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

Ferdinand met his future wife while he was playing for West Ham United in the 1990s.

The defender married the personal trainer in 2009.Ramsey said: "We only have good things to say about him and the way he has conducted himself.

"Our thoughts are with him and his family and we hope they can pull together and find strength at this tragic moment.

"Everyone will tell you, as a man, he has been fantastic.

"He has not been moping and has talked to all the young players.”

Ms Ellison is survived by her three children, Lorenz, nine, Tate, six, and four-year-old Tia.

(dailystar.co.uk)