Sven-Goran Eriksson dead: Ex-England boss dies aged 76 from terminal cancer | Football | Sport

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away aged 76 years old. Eriksson became the first non-British manager of the England men’s national team when he was appointed in 2001.

During his five-year reign as Three Lions boss, Eriksson led the nation to three major tournaments.

The much-loved Eriksson enjoyed a storied career in management, which also included spells in charge of Lazio, Benfica and Manchester City.

A statement from his former agent Bo Gustavsson read: “After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.

“The closest mourners are daughter Lina; son Johan wife 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. Condolences and greetings can be left on the website www.svengoraneriksson.com.”

It was announced in January 2024 that Eriksson had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Speaking to Swedish Radio P1 at the time, Sven revealed: “Everyone can see that I have a disease that’s not good, and everyone supposes that it’s cancer, and it is. But I have to fight it as long as possible.

“I know that in the best case it’s about a year, in the worst case even less. Or in the best case I suppose even longer. I don’t think the doctors I have can be totally sure; they can’t put a day on it.”

Speaking in his final farewell message as part of a self-titled documentary he said: “I had a good life. 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 everyone will not say that.

“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. Bye.”

Eriksson had been granted a lifelong wish to manage Liverpool following his cancer diagnosis, taking charge of the Liverpool Legends charity match against Ajax in March.

Labelling the experience as ‘absolutely beautiful’, the Swede said: “To sit on the bench for Liverpool, that’s been my dream my whole life. Now it happened, and it was a beautiful day in all meanings…

“It was full of emotions, tears coming. It’s been my dream club all my life – even when I had England, I also supported Liverpool, but I couldn’t say it at that time.

“It’s a good finish, to finish [managing in football] with Liverpool, it can’t be much better than that.”

In a tribute posted on X, Liverpool Football Club said: “Rest in peace, Sven-Goran Eriksson. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”

Manchester City added: “We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sven-Goran Eriksson, who has passed away at the age of 76. Rest in peace, Sven.”

While Price William, president of the FA, said: “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.”