Sven-Goran Eriksson, legendary football coach dies at 76

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died at age 76 following a battle with pancreatic cancer, his family announced Monday.

"Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away," the family said in a statement, according to a report on Sky News. "After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family."

The statement added that Eriksson is survived by his daughter Lina; son Johan, his wife Amana, and granddaughter Sky; father Sven; girlfriend Yanisette and her son Alcides; brother Lars-Erik and his wife Jumnong. The family requested privacy during this time of mourning.

Eriksson, a Swedish national, became the first foreign manager of the England men's football team in 2001. He coached England’s "golden generation," including stars like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and Frank Lampard.

Prince William, President of the Football Association, paid tribute to Eriksson, stating on social media: "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."

Throughout his career, Eriksson managed several high-profile European clubs, including Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio. He left the England role after the 2006 World Cup and went on to manage Mexico, the Ivory Coast, and English clubs Manchester City and Leicester City.

Eriksson stepped down as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad in February 2023 due to his health. After revealing his cancer diagnosis earlier this year, Eriksson was granted his lifelong wish when he led Liverpool Legends in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March, a moment he described as "absolutely beautiful" and a "huge memory."

Liverpool FC paid tribute, saying, "The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven's family and friends at this extremely sad time."

Reflecting on his life, Eriksson expressed a desire to be remembered as "a good man" in the Amazon Prime documentary 'Sven.' "I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well," he said. "Hopefully, at the end, people will say, 'yeah, he was a good man.'"

He concluded, "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."

[Information sourced from Sky News]