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Sven-Göran Eriksson at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, March 2023. Alamy Stock Photo
RIP
Former England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died aged 76
Eriksson was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer.
FORMER ENGLAND FOOTBALL manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died at the age of 76.
Eriksson had pancreatic cancer. In January, he said he had “best case a year” to live following his diagnosis.
A statement shared on his website said he died at home this morning surrounded by family “after a long illness”.
“The closest mourners are daughter Lina; son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; father Sven; girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides; brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong,” the statement reads.
“The family asks for respect for their wish to mourn in private and not be contacted.”
Eriksson, who managed England for five years before leaving after the 2006 World Cup, stood down from his most recent role as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad last year due to health issues.
The Swede led Benfica to three Portuguese top-flight titles and a runners-up finish in the European Cup before guiding Lazio to their second and most recent Serie A triumph in 1999-2000.
He succeeded Kevin Keegan as England boss in January 2001, taking charge of the country’s so-called golden generation – the label attached to a group of players who were thriving for their clubs.
He was in charge of England for five years before leaving after the 2006 World Cup.
He subsequently managed Manchester City and Leicester, as well as spells in charge of the Mexico, Ivory Coast and Philippines national teams. He won 18 trophies throughout his career.
In March, a long-held dream of managing Liverpool was fulfilled when Eriksson took charge of a ‘Legends’ charity match at a packed Anfield.
Rest in peace, Sven-Göran Eriksson.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 26, 2024
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven’s family and friends at this extremely sad time. pic.twitter.com/vn5qkn5RWc
In a statement, Liverpool Football Club said: “Rest in peace, Sven-Göran Eriksson. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
Eriksson’s life and career is the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary, which was released on Friday.
In it, he talked about how he hoped to be remembered.
“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do,” he said.
“Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.”
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