Sven-Göran Eriksson dies at the age of 76 from the consequences of his battle against cancer.
Sven-Göran Eriksson has died at the age of 76 following his battle with cancer.
The former England manager revealed in January that he had just a year to live “at best” after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
“Sven-Göran Eriksson has passed away,” his family said in a statement.
“After a long illness, SGE died this morning at home surrounded by his family.
“The closest mourners are daughter Line, son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky, father Sven, girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides and brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong.”
Sven Göran-Eriksson has died after his battle with cancer
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In his Prime Video documentary released just last week, Eriksson gave a moving farewell speech.
He said: “I’ve had a good life. I think we all fear the day we die, but life is also about death. You have to learn to accept it as it is. Hopefully at 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.
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“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.”
There was a flood of tributes on social media for the 76-year-old, who became the first foreign coach to take charge of the England national team.
Prince William was among those who paid their last respects to the former England coach with a touching message.
“Sad to hear of the passing of Sven-Göran Eriksson,” he wrote.
“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. W.”
The legendary football coach resigned from his last position as sporting director at the Swedish club Karlstad for health reasons.
He was diagnosed with cancer after collapsing without warning during a five-kilometer run the day before.
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Sven-Göran Eriksson received a wave of support after his cancer diagnosis
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The news that Eriksson was terminally ill with cancer sparked an enormous outpouring of support for him.
In March, Eriksson fulfilled his final wish of becoming Liverpool manager when he took charge of an Anfield Legends team in a charity match against Ajax.
He received a hero’s welcome as he stepped in front of the crowd at Anfield, holding back his tears as “You’ll Never Walk Alone” rang out throughout the stadium.
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Sven-Göran Eriksson was England’s first foreign coach
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Eriksson took over as England manager in 2001 and his most famous night was a World Cup qualifier when the Three Lions defeated Germany 5-1.
The players at Eriksson’s disposal during his tenure were dubbed the “Golden Generation” and included players such as Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen.
But England failed to make it past the quarter-finals in any of the three major tournaments that Eriksson led between 2001 and 2006.
The Swede also coached teams such as Manchester City, Leicester, Roma and Lazio and won 18 trophies during his coaching career.
