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Sven-Goran Eriksson, the former England manager and the first non-British coach to lead the national team, has died at the age of 76. Eriksson, who led England to the quarter-finals of three major tournaments during his tenure between 2001 and 2006, died at home surrounded by his family on Monday morning after a long battle with cancer.
In January this year, Eriksson revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was given a year to live. His family confirmed his death, saying: “Sven Goran Eriksson has passed away. After a long illness, Sven Goran Eriksson passed away at home this morning surrounded by his family.”
Eriksson has had a stellar and prolific coaching career, having coached 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester City, Roma and Lazio, where he won 18 trophies, and has also coached national teams such as Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines.
After retiring at the age of 27, Eriksson began his coaching career at Degerfors in 1977. He soon found success at IFK Gothenburg, where he won the Swedish League, two Swedish Cups and the 1982 UEFA Cup. Eriksson then went on to coach Europe’s top clubs, including two spells at Portuguese giants Benfica, as well as successful spells at Italian sides Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Lazio. His achievements at Lazio were particularly noteworthy, as he won seven trophies, including the Serie A title, two Italian Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Despite his illness, Eriksson returned to some of his former clubs last year, including Lazio and Sampdoria, and in March the Liverpool fan took part in a charity match at Anfield, helping Liverpool Legends beat Ajax Legends 4-2.
Eriksson shared a heartfelt message at the end of the documentary “Sven” released earlier this month, saying: “I hope you will remember me as a positive person who tries to do everything he can. Don’t be sad, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, fans, everything is great. Take care of yourself, take care of your life. Live.”
Eriksson’s death marks the end of an era for a manager who left an indelible mark on English and European football.
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