Former England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson has died at the age of 76, his family said.

Eriksson had pancreatic cancer and announced in early 2024 that he had only one year to live “at best.”

“Sven-Göran Eriksson has died,” his family said in a statement. “After a long illness, SGE died this morning at home surrounded by his family.”

Sven-Göran Eriksson died – News: Prince William leads the funeral

It continues: “The closest mourners are daughter Lina, son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky, father Sven, girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides and brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong.”

“The family asks that you respect their wishes to grieve privately and not to be contacted.”

The Swede became the first foreign coach of the England men’s national football team in 2001 and coached the so-called “Golden Generation” of players, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard.

Among those paying their respects was Prince William, president of the Football Association (FA), who said in a statement shared on social media: “It is sad to hear of the passing of Sven-Göran Eriksson.”

“I met him several times when he was England manager and was always impressed by his charisma and passion for the game.

“My thoughts are with his family and friends. A true gentleman of the game.”

During his career, Eriksson coached a number of top European clubs such as Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Lazio.

Eriksson gave up his coaching role with the England national team after the 2006 World Cup and later coached Mexico and the Ivory Coast as well as the English clubs Manchester City and Leicester City.

He rose from being a sports teacher in a small Swedish town to the top of English football.

For health reasons, he resigned from his position as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad in February 2023.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “This is a very sad day. It has brought such special memories to all England fans.”

“Nobody will ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven’s leadership.

“Sven will be duly recognised and always remembered for his significant work with the England national team and his wider contribution to football.”

“On behalf of my colleagues past and present at the FA, our thoughts are with his friends and family today. He will be greatly missed and we will pay tribute to him when we play Finland at Wembley next month.”

After announcing his cancer diagnosis, Eriksson his life’s wish was fulfilled when he led the Liverpool Legends in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March.

He described the moment as “absolutely beautiful” and a “huge memory” in his life as Liverpool won the game 4-2.

Liverpool paid tribute to their son, saying: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”

In an earlier speech, Eriksson said he hoped he would be remembered as a “good man.”

“I’ve had a good life. I think we’re all afraid of the day we die, but life is also about death,” he said at the end of the Amazon Prime documentary “Sven.”

He added: “You have to learn to accept it as it is. Hopefully, in the end, people will say, ‘Yes, he was a good man,’ but not everyone will say that.”

“I hope you will remember me as a positive person who tried to do everything he could.

“Don’t be sad, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, spectators, it was fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it. Bye.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the news of Eriksson’s death.

He continued: “He will be remembered for his enormous contribution to English football which has brought joy to so many people over the years.”

“Our thoughts are with his family.”