Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away at the age of 76.
Eriksson, who was the first non-British manager of the England team, guided the Three Lions to the quarter-finals in three major tournaments during his five-year tenure from 2001 to 2006.
In January, Eriksson revealed he had “at best” a year left to live after being diagnosed with cancer.
His children, Lina and Johan, announced on Monday: “Our father, Sven-Goran Eriksson, passed away peacefully at his home in Bjorkefors near Sunne this morning. He had bravely fought his illness for a long time, but it has now come to an end.”
“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.
“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.”
Eriksson managed 12 clubs throughout his career, including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma, and Lazio, and won 18 trophies.
He also had stints with Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines.
After retiring from playing at the age of 27, Eriksson began his managerial career with Degerfors in 1977, later joining Gothenburg where he won the Swedish title, two Swedish Cups, and the 1982 UEFA Cup.
Eriksson enjoyed two terms with Portuguese giants Benfica and managed Italian teams Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio, where he secured seven trophies, including the Serie A title, two Italian Cups, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Following his diagnosis, Eriksson spent the year visiting former clubs, including Lazio and Sampdoria.
In March, the Swede, a lifelong Liverpool fan, led a Liverpool Legends team to a 4-2 victory over an Ajax Legends side 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.”
Mixed fortunes with England
Eriksson resigned as Lazio manager in January 2001 to succeed Kevin Keegan as England boss.
He revived a flagging 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign to secure their place at the tournament in Japan and South Korea, including a stunning 5-1 victory over Germany in Munich.
The Three Lions defeated Argentina 1-0 in the group stage at that tournament but were beaten 2-1 by eventual winners Brazil in the quarter-finals. They would also reach the last eight two years later at Euro 2004, before losing to hosts Portugal on penalties.
In January 2006, after securing England’s place at that summer’s World Cup, it was announced that Eriksson was to leave following the tournament in Germany despite having two years left on his contract.
No official reason was given for his departure at the time, although the Swede had come under pressure after being caught in a newspaper sting by a tabloid journalist.
England went on to reach the quarter-finals again but were beaten once more by Portugal on penalties.
Eriksson’s years as England manager were marked by scandal over his private life, including newspapers revealing affairs with television presenter Ulrika Jonsson in 2002 and former Football Association secretary Faria Alam in 2004.