World footballers expressed their grief and loss over the death of the legendary Swedish coach, Sven-Goran Eriksson. Sven-Goran Eriksson died at the age of 76, Monday (26/8/2024).
Previously, in recent months, Sven-Goran Eriksson had been battling terminal cancer, a disease that was announced in January. “After a long illness, SGE (Sven-Goran Eriksson) passed away this morning at home surrounded by his family,” wrote the official statement from Eriksson’s family. “The family asks for respect for their wishes to grieve privately and not be contacted,” said the Eriksson family statement.
Former England captain David Beckham paid tribute to the “true gentleman” Sven-Goran Eriksson. Beckham said he would be forever grateful to the former England coach. Eriksson, who began coaching the England national team in 2001, appointed Beckham as captain of The Three Lions.
“Sven, thank you for being the person you were, passionate, caring, calm and a gentleman,” the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder said. Beckham posted his message on social media alongside a video of the pair visiting Eriksson earlier this year.
Eriksson revealed in January that he had been diagnosed with cancer. “We laughed, we cried and we knew we were going to say goodbye,” Beckham said. “The last memories of today will always be with you and your family. Thank you Sven and in your last words to me, ‘Everything will be fine’,” Beckham said.
As well as Beckham, former England striker Wayne Rooney paid tribute to the “special man” Sven Goran Eriksson. The striker made his England debut under Eriksson as a 17-year-old and described him as a “special man”.
“Rest in peace Sven,” Rooney said. “Thank you for the memories and all your help and advice. “Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” Rooney said.
Current England captain Harry Kane also expressed his condolences. “I didn’t play under Sven but I know how much he was loved and respected by those who played under him as England manager,” Kane said. “My thoughts are with his family and friends at the moment.”
Tributes have been paid by a number of former England internationals who were part of Eriksson’s so-called “Golden Generation”. John Terry, who was also given his debut by Eriksson, described him as “a great manager and a fantastic man-manager”. Midfielder Frank Lampard said Eriksson was always there for you on and off the pitch. “I will always be grateful to him for the faith and support he gave me in my career at England,” he said. Former striker Peter Crouch said: “Sven gave me my England debut when there were a lot of doubts. I will always be grateful to him. He will be missed,” said Crouch.
The figure born on February 5, 1948, became the first non-British coach to take charge of the senior England national team. Eriksson led the Three Lions to the quarter-finals of three major tournaments during his five-year tenure between 2001 and 2006. He also managed 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma and Lazio, winning 18 trophies.
Eriksson’s last permanent job was as an advisor to Swedish third-tier club IF Karlstad. He left the position in February 2023 following a diagnosis of his illness. However, he had the chance to fulfill a childhood dream by managing the Liverpool Legends team against Ajax Legends at Anfield in March 2024. Previously, Eriksson had revealed that he was a childhood supporter of the Merseyside club.
