Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died at the age of 76.
The Swedish manager, who became the first non-British manager of the England team, led the Three Lions to the quarter-finals of three major tournaments during his five-year tenure from 2001 to 2006.
Eriksson’s family announced his passing on Monday, stating that he died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones after a long illness.
The manager had previously disclosed a cancer diagnosis in January, revealing that he had “at best” a year to live.
Throughout his career, Eriksson managed a total of 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma, and Lazio.
He won 18 trophies during his managerial stints, which also included spells with Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines.
Before embarking on his managerial career, Eriksson played as a professional footballer until the age of 27.
His early managerial experiences included stints with Swedish clubs Degerfors and Gothenburg, where he achieved significant success.
He also managed Portuguese giants Benfica and several Italian teams, including Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio.
Following his cancer diagnosis, Eriksson spent the year visiting some of his former clubs, including Lazio and Sampdoria.
In March, he led a Liverpool Legends team to victory over an Ajax Legends side at Anfield, a fitting tribute to his lifelong passion for the club.
In his final documentary film, “Sven,” Eriksson shared a poignant message: “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.”
