Sven-Goran Eriksson: Former England Manager Dies at 76
Sven-Goran Eriksson, the first non-British manager of the England national football team, has passed away at the age of 76. The news of his death, following a long illness, was announced by his family on Monday.
Eriksson's tenure as England manager spanned five years, from 2001 to 2006, during which he guided the Three Lions to the quarter-finals of three major tournaments: the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004, and the 2006 World Cup. Despite his success in reaching these stages, he never managed to take England to a final, a fact which would come to define his time in charge.
Eriksson's managerial career was extensive, encompassing a total of 12 clubs across Europe. He enjoyed successful spells with clubs such as Manchester City, Leicester, Roma, and Lazio, winning a total of 18 trophies. He also managed national teams outside of England, including Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines.
He began his managerial career in 1977 with Degerfors in Sweden, before moving on to Gothenburg, where he won the Swedish league title, two Swedish Cups, and the 1982 UEFA Cup. His time with Portuguese giants Benfica followed, before he embarked on a fruitful period in Italian football, managing Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio. During this time, he secured seven trophies, including the Serie A title, two Coppa Italia trophies, and the European Cup Winners' Cup.
In January of this year, Eriksson revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer and had "at best" a year to live. Following this diagnosis, he spent time visiting some of his former clubs, including Lazio and Sampdoria. In March, he helped lead a Liverpool Legends team to victory over an Ajax Legends team at Anfield, a poignant moment for the lifelong Liverpool fan.
Eriksson's final message, shared in his new documentary "Sven", released earlier this month, was one of positivity and gratitude. He urged viewers to "remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do," adding "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."
Sven-Goran Eriksson's legacy will be remembered as one of a pioneering and charismatic figure in the world of football. He will be missed by fans and players alike, who will fondly recall his infectious enthusiasm and his impact on the game.
