Sven-Goran Eriksson's children issue heartbreaking statement as former England manager dies
Sven-Goran Eriksson, former England football manager, died on Monday at the age of 76, passing away in his sleep after a brave fight against his illness
Sven-Goran Eriksson's children have detailed just how much gratitude their father felt for the well-wishes he received after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The former England manager died on Monday at the age of 76, passing away in his sleep after a brave fight against his illness.
Eriksson's death has sparked tributes from around the football world, with a statement from England's official Twitter acccount reading: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Rest in peace, Sven. You will be greatly missed."
The Swede's children Lina and Johan Eriksson released a statement, which read: "Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Bjorkefors outside Sunne this morning. He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but not it came to an end.
"Our thoughts go out to Sven-Goran's father Sven; girlfriend Yaniseth and her son Alcides; to his brother Lasse and wife Jumnong, as well as to all good friends and acquaintances in Sweden and around the world.
"Dad told us at the beginning of this year about his srious illness and received an amazing response from friends and football fans around Europe. He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. They shared their love for football and for dad. It was unforgettable for both him and us. He expressed his appreciation and joy and stated that such beautifull words are usually only uttered when someone has died.
" - 'I get to hear it while I'm alive and I'm incredibly grateful for that. The heart beats twice and the tears come. I have had the best job in the world and I was happy every day for long periods. It's been fantastic,' he said.
"We have shared his gratitude and got to experience the wonderful meetings between him, football and all his friends. We thank everyone for these positive memories and your support during his illness.
"We hope that you will remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was in both public and at home with us. Lina and John Eriksson."
A documentary about Eriksson's life was broadcast by Amazon Prime shortly before he passed away, and the Swede delivered an emotional final message to his fans.
“I had a good life," he said. "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. 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.”
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