'A true gentleman of the game': Sven-Göran Eriksson dies aged 76 after long illness
The footballing world is paying tribute following the death of Sven-Göran Eriksson, the first foreign manager of the England men's team who coached the so-called "golden generation", ITV News Sports Editor Steve Scott reports
Former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson has been described as "a true gentleman of the game" after his death aged 76.
Eriksson's children Lina and Johan Eriksson said their father "fell asleep peacefully" at his home in the southern Swedish village of Björkefors outside Sunne.
"He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end," the statement read.
Eriksson was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in January and was given only a year to live.
"Dad told us at the beginning of this year about his serious illness and received an amazing response from friends and football fans around Europe," his children said.
"He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. They shared their love for football and for dad. It was unforgettable for both him and us.
"He expressed his appreciation and joy and stated that such beautiful words are usually only uttered when someone has died.
"We hope that you will remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was both in public and at home with us."
In a tribute message on his Instagram profile, former England midfielder David Beckham shared a video of his visit to Eriksson's home in Sweden earlier this year.
"We laughed, we cried & we knew we were saying goodbye... Sven thank you for always being the person you have always been, passionate, caring, calm & a true gentleman," Beckham wrote.
"I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain but I will forever hold these last memories of this day with you and your family... Thank you Sven and in your last words to me. 'It will be ok'."
Prince William, the FA’s patron, described the former England manager as a "true gentleman of the game".
In a tribute on X, he said: "Sad to hear about the passing of Sven-Göran 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."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of Sven-Göran Eriksson's passing. "As a coach, Sven-Göran was both a great innovator and a true ambassador of our beautiful game, winning domestic competitions in three different European countries together with two successes at continental level with IFK Göteborg and S.S. Lazio.
"A global influence, his career also included coaching national teams from four different continents with time spent in charge of England, Mexico, Côte d’Ivoire and the Philippines. "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-Göran’s family and friends at this difficult time. RIP."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of his death.
“He will be remembered for his tremendous contribution to English football which brought joy to so many over the years," he said.
“Our thoughts are with his family.”
FA's chief executive officer, Mark Bullingham said: "This is a very sad day. He gave all England fans such special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven’s guidance."
Italian lawyer Nancy Dell’Olio, 63, paid tribute to her "ex-husband" in an Instagram post, writing: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my ex-husband, Sven.
"Though our relationship had its ups and downs, I choose to remember the good times we shared and the moments that brought joy to our lives.“I will always hold onto those cherished memories and extend my deepest condolences to his family, as well as his beloved children, Lina and Johan.“When you love someone, that love never truly fades. Rest in peace, Sven. You will be missed.”Though Dell’Olio and Eriksson were in a relationship between 1998 and 2007, the pair had not previously been thought to have been married.
The England national team announced it will honour Eriksson's life at Wembley Stadium when the Three Lions play Finland on Tuesday, September 10.
Eriksson became the first foreign England manager when he was appointed in 2001 and subsequently led the team to the quarter-finals of two World Cups and one European Championship.
He managed England for five years before leaving following the 2006 World Cup.
Former England striker Michael Owen said on X: "Rest In Peace Sven-Goran Eriksson. One of the very best and a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the world of football."
Manchester City expressed "sincere condolences" to Eriksson's family and announced that flags at the Etihad Stadium will fly at half-mast in honour of their former manager.
The Swedish coach led Manchester City during the 2007/08 season, a campaign that many supporters fondly remember.
He led the team to its first league double win over Manchester United in 38 years.
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Eriksson also managed Leicester City from 2010 to 2011, with the club crediting him for helping "lay strong foundations for the greatest era in its history".
"The prestige and status which he brought to Leicester – as well as his easy, warm character – helped the Foxes to reconfigure their ambitions and build towards the magical successes which were to come," the club said in a statement.
Football clubs Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Manchester United, Everton and West Ham paid their condolences to the former manager on social media.
The European Football Association UEFA said it was "deeply saddened" by Eriksson's passing.
Eriksson bid a final farewell to fans in a new film about his life released on Amazon Prime on Wednesday, saying "don't be sorry, smile".
Eriksson told Prime Video he feels an inner calm after the turmoil of his cancer diagnosis.
"My wife, ex-wife, asked can't you do something else? You never get to see the children. And that was true. But that is football - that is how it is and how it should be," Eriksson said in the documentary.
He added: "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's been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it. Bye.!"
The Pancreatic Cancer Action charity posted: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former England manager and football figure Sven-Goran Eriksson, who bravely shared his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Sven.”
On his website on Monday, a statement said that Eriksson died surrounded by family.
"After a long illness, SGE (Sven-Göran Eriksson) died during the morning at home surrounded by family," it reads.
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