Sven-Goran Eriksson dies aged 76 following battle with cancer as tributes flood in
Sven-Goran Eriksson has died after his battle with cancer
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Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away at the age of 76 following his battle with cancer.
The former England manager revealed he only had a year to live 'at best' back in January after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
"Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away," his family said in a statement.
"After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.
"The closest mourners are daughter Line; son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; father Sven; girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides; brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong."
Sven Goran-Eriksson has died after his battle with cancer
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Eriksson gave a moving farewell speech in his Prime Video documentary that was released just last week.
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.
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"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."
Social media was flooded with tributes for the 76-year-old, who was the first foreign manager to take charge of England.
Prince William was among those to lead the tributes for the former England manager with a touching message.
"Sad to hear about the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson," he wrote.
"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. W."
The iconic football coach stood down from his most recent role in the sport as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad due to health issues.
His cancer diagnosis came after he collapsed without warning the day after going for a five-kilometre run the day before.
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Sven-Goran Eriksson received an outpouring of support after his cancer diagnosis
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There was a huge outpouring of support for Eriksson following the news of his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Eriksson fulfilled a dying wish to be manager of Liverpool in March when he took charge of an Anfield Legends side in a charity match against Ajax.
He was given a hero's welcome as he stepped out in front of the Anfield crowd and held back tears as You'll Never Walk Alone rang around the stadium.
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Sven-Goran Eriksson was the first foreign manager of England
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Eriksson took charge of England in 2001 and his most famous night came in a World Cup qualifier when the Three Lions famously thumped Germany 5-1.
The crop of players that Eriksson had at his disposal throughout his time in charge were referred as the 'Golden Generation' with players such as Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen.
But England failed to get past the quarter-final stage in all three major tournaments Eriksson took charge of between 2001 and 2006.
The Swede also managed the likes of Manchester City, Leicester, Roma and Lazio and won 18 trophies throughout his managerial career.