By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Sven-Göran Eriksson, England’s first overseas manager and winner of multiple honours at club level, has sadly died at the age of 76.
Eriksson had pancreatic cancer and at the beginning of 2024 revealed he only had a year to live “at best”.
His family in a statement said on Monday: “Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away. After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.”
It added: “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 family asks for respect for their wish to mourn in private and not be contacted.”
The Swede managed England for 67 matches between 2001 and 2006, taking the Three Lions to two World Cups and a European Championships and reaching the quarter-finals of each competition.
The Swede managed 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma and Lazio, winning 18 trophies.
Eriksson also had spells in charge of Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines.
After retiring as a player at the age of 27, Eriksson began his managerial career with Degerfors in 1977 before joining fellow Swedish side Gothenburg, where he won the Swedish title, two Swedish 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.
In March the Swede, a lifelong Liverpool fan, helped lead a Liverpool Legends team which beat an Ajax Legends side 4-2 at Anfield.
He shared a poignant message at the end of his new documentary film ‘Sven’, which was released earlier this month.
He said: “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.”
Among those paying tribute was Prince William, President of the FA, who said in a statement shared on social media: “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.”
Liverpool Football Club said: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
European football’s governing body UEFA said: “On behalf of the European football community, everybody at UEFA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sven Goran Eriksson.”