Rio Ferdinand posts emotional tribute after death of his mother: 'You were a little fighter but with a huge heart'

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Rio Ferdinand has paid an emotional tribute to his late mother, who sadly passed away after a battle with cancer.

Ferdinand's mother, Janice St Fort, died in hospital at the age of 58 after losing her fight against breast cancer.

The 38-year-old took to Instagram on Saturday morning to post an emotional message in tribute, accompanied by a throwback photo of the pair.

Rio Ferdinand wrote an emotional message in tribute to his mother (right) after her death

The former Manchester United star wrote: 'Mummy... It won't ever be enough but I just want to say thanks, a really big thank you.

'The ability you had to make me feel loved at every moment in my life without even having to say it or be there by my side will never be forgotten.

'You were a fighter, a little fighter but with a huge heart. And you wore that heart on your sleeve throughout.

'All I ever wanted in life from as young as I can remember was to make you proud and I know I must of got somewhere near to doing that.... because your chest was puffed out as big as anyone's whenever my name was mentioned or when you was in a stadium watching me play... I can just hear/see you now "what did you say, oh ok...that's my son..."!!! You were fiery, you were protective, you was soft & hard faced when need be... you loved hard, you disciplined me, you were a grafter & you were my everything.

Thirty-eight-year-old Ferdinand described his mother as a 'little fighter but with a huge heart'

Ferdinand posed for this picture with his mum on mother's day in 2015

Ferdinand's younger brother Anton posted an emotional tribute to his mother earlier this week

Rio Ferdinand with his half brother, Jeremiah and half sister Sian as well as their mother

'I sit here now thinking & the only negative I can think of is that you talked for too long on the phone!! You gave all of your life to make sure everything was ok for myself, my brothers, sister, your grandchildren & husband Peter (never mind the countless friends & family too). At my most difficult time, you were my shining light & made it your mission to be there for me & my kids... trust me that will never forgotten. From school runs to homework to making them smile... to starting horse riding lessons....they will always remember.

'You are the most selfless & giving person I have ever known which came from a genuine place of love.

'The way you have touched so many people's hearts will live on and will be the way many will remember you mum.

'You were an inspirational person in so many ways, one day I will be able to tell you them all face to face. Love you mummy.' 

The tragic news comes just two years after Ferdinand lost his wife Rebecca through cancer.

The tragic news comes just two years after Rio lost his wife, Rebecca Ellison due to cancer