Former England manager Eriksson dies aged 76
Eriksson, the first non-British manager of the England national team, guided the Three Lions to the quarter-finals in three major tournaments during his five-year tenure from 2001 to 2006.
In January, Eriksson revealed he had been given “at best” a year to live following a cancer diagnosis.
On Monday, his children, Lina and Johan, shared: “Our father, Sven-Goran Eriksson, peacefully passed away at his home in Bjorkefors near Sunne this morning. He had been bravely battling his illness for some time, but it has now come to an end.
“Dad informed us at the beginning of this year about his serious condition and received an overwhelming outpouring of support from friends and football fans across Europe.
“He was invited by several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal, and Sweden, who showed their love for both football and him.
“These gestures were deeply memorable for both him and us. He expressed his gratitude and joy, noting that such heartfelt words are usually only shared after someone has passed.
“We hope you remember Svennis as the kind and positive person he was, both in public and at home with us.”
Eriksson managed 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma, and Lazio, and won 18 trophies. He also had managerial roles with Mexico, the Ivory Coast, and the Philippines.
After retiring as a player at the age of 27, he began his managerial career with Degerfors in 1977 before joining fellow Swedish side Gothenburg, where he won the league title, two domestic cups, and the 1982 Uefa Cup.
He then went on to enjoy two spells with Portuguese giants Benfica as well as managing Italian sides Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio – where he won seven trophies including the Serie A title, two Italian Cups, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Following his diagnosis, Eriksson spent the year visiting some of his former clubs, including Lazio and Sampdoria.
In March the Swede, a lifelong Liverpool fan, helped lead a Liverpool Legends team that beat an Ajax Legends side 4-2 at Anfield.
He shared a poignant message at the end of his new documentary ‘Sven’, which was released earlier this month.
In the closing scene of the Amazon film, Eriksson says: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when it is finished – when we die.
“But life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is.
“Hopefully at the end, people will say: ‘Yeah, he was a good man.’ But everyone will not say that. I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do.
“Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything – coaches, players, the crowds. It has been fantastic. Take care of yourself and your life and live it. Bye.”
Former England striker Michael Owen described Eriksson as “one of the very best” and “a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the world of football”.
The Prince of Wales, who is president of the Football Association, said: “Sad to hear about the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson.
“I met him several times as England manager and was always struck by his charisma and passion for the game. My thoughts are with his family and friends. A true gentleman of the game.”
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “This is a very sad day. He gave all England fans such special memories.
“Sven will be rightly recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Deeply saddened to hear that Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away.
“He will be remembered for his tremendous contribution to English football which brought joy to so many over the years. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Fifa lowered Sweden’s flag to half mast at its headquarters, and president Gianni Infantino said: “As a coach, Sven-Goran was both a great innovator and a true ambassador of our beautiful game.
“As a football person, he always led with enthusiasm and with a smile. On behalf of Fifa and our global community, I send my condolences to Sven-Goran’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
1 comment
My condolences and may his soul rest in peace