Sven-Goran Eriksson’s children have paid tribute to their ‘brave’ father and thanked all those who created ‘positive memories’ with him during his illness.
Today, the former England manager died aged 76 from pancreatic cancer sending shockwaves across the footballing world.
The Swede, who said in January that he had ‘best case a year’ to live following his diagnosis, was surrounded by his family as he passed away this morning at his home in Björkefors.
Eriksson became the first foreign manager of the England national team in 2001, taking charge of 67 matches until 2006. He led the talented squad to quarter-finals of the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, and at the 2004 European Championships.
He also managed Swedish, Portuguese and Italian clubs, winning major trophies in the 1980s and 1990s before taking on the England job.
Sven-Goran Eriksson, the former England manager has died aged 76 from pancreatic cancer
Eriksson’s children Lina and Johan issued a statement shortly after their father’s death was announced.
‘Our father Sven-Göran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Björkefors outside Sunne this morning,’ it read.
‘He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end.
‘Our thoughts go out to Sven-Göran’s father Sven; girlfriend Yaniseth and her son Alcides; to his brother Lasse and wife Jumnong, as well as to all good friends and acquaintances in Sweden and around the world.’
They added: ‘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.
‘”I get to hear it while I’m alive and I’m incredibly grateful for that. The heart beats twice and the tears come. I have had the best job in the world and I was happy every day for long periods. It’s been fantastic,” he said.’
Lina and Johan expressed their gratitude for the ‘wonderful meetings between him, football and all his friends’.
‘We thank everyone for these positive memories and your support during his illness,’ their statement continued.
‘We hope that you will remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was both in public and at home with us.’
Tributes poured in for Eriksson from around the world following news of his tragic death.
Football Association patron Prince William today described him as a ‘true gentleman of the game’, adding that he was ‘always struck by his charisma and passion’.
