August 26th 2024.
The football world was struck with sadness as news broke of the passing of former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson at the age of 76. Known for his time as boss of the national team from 2001 to 2006, Eriksson's final public appearance was a heart-wrenching message in which he expressed his wish to be remembered by football fans.
In January, the Swedish coach revealed that he had a maximum of one year to live due to his battle with pancreatic cancer. As a new documentary about his life was released on Amazon Prime last Friday, Eriksson's words echoed poignantly. "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."
Approaching the end of his life, Eriksson spoke candidly about death. "I had a good life," he reflected. "I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end, people will say, 'yeah, he was a good man'. But not everyone will say that."
Making history in 2001 as the first foreign England manager, Eriksson led the Three Lions to World Cup quarter-finals in 2002 and 2006. However, he also made headlines for his personal life, including affairs with Ulrika Jonsson and Faria Alam, as well as being caught up in a "Fake Sheikh" tabloid sting. When reflecting on his affair with Jonsson, Eriksson stated, "I didn't do anything criminal. Sex is one of many good things in life for all of us."
Aside from managing the English national team, Eriksson also had stints with Manchester City, Leicester City, Benfica, Roma, Lazio, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Mexico. He was crowned Serie A Coach of the Year in 2000 and the following year, he was awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award. Throughout his career, Eriksson won league titles in Sweden, Portugal, and Italy with Gothenburg, Benfica, and Lazio, respectively.
The legacy that Sven-Goran Eriksson leaves behind is one of a beloved and respected coach, who not only achieved success on the field but touched the lives of those around him with his positive outlook and unwavering determination. Though he may no longer be with us, his memory and impact will live on in the hearts of football fans and players alike.
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