admin
STOCKHOLM. — Swedish football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who became the first foreigner to lead the England national team, died yesterday at the age of 76.
Eriksson, a charismatic coach who guided Swedish, Portuguese and Italian clubs to major trophies in the 1980s and 1990s before taking on the England job in 2001, announced in January that he was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer.
Eriksson’s long-time agent Bo Gustavsson said Eriksson had lost his battle with cancer early on yesterday, surrounded by his family.
“We knew it was going to end bad, it all went really fast in the last few weeks,” Gustavsson told Reuters.
“I have been fascinated by him for a long time, he has always been so positive and has had time for others and never thought of himself, and he was that until the very end,” the agent added.
His two children, Lina and Johan Eriksson, thanked all those who had supported their father who they said had been deeply moved by the warm words he had received.
Following is reaction to the death of former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson aged 76 on Monday, months after the Swede revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
FA CEO MARK BULLINGHAM
“This is a very sad day. He gave all England fans such special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven’s guidance.
“Sven will be rightly recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game. He will be much missed, and we will pay tribute to him when we play Finland at Wembley next month.”
Advertisement · Scroll to continue
EUROPEAN SOCCER’S GOVERNING BODY UEFA
“On behalf of the European football community, everybody at UEFA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson.
“A beloved figure in the game, Sven was a UEFA Cup winner as coach of IFK Goteborg in 1982 be-fore leading Lazio to the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1999. Rest in peace, Sven.”
BRITAIN’S PRINCE WILLIAM
“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.”
ENGLAND NATIONAL TEAM
“We are deeply saddened that Sven-Goran Eriksson, who managed the Three Lions from 2001 to 2006, has passed away aged 76. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Rest in peace, Sven. You will be greatly missed.”
FORMER ENGLAND STRIKER MICHAEL OWEN
“Rest In Peace Sven-Goran Eriksson. One of the very best and a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the world of football.”
PREMIER LEAGUE
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former England and Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. Our thoughts and condolences are with Sven’s family and friends.”
PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB MANCHESTER CITY
“We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sven-Goran Eriksson, who has passed away at the age of 76. Rest in peace, Sven.”
PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB LIVERPOOL
“Rest in peace, Sven-Goran Eriksson. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB LEICESTER CITY
“Everyone at Leicester City is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former Manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson. Our thoughts are with Sven’s family and friends at this sad time.”
LA-LIGA CLUB REAL MADRID
“Real Madrid, the club’s President and its Board of Directors are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson, one of world football’s legendary coaches.
“Real Madrid would like to send its condolences and deepest sympathy to his family, his col-leagues, his clubs and all his loved ones.”
BUNDESLIGA CLUB BAYERN MUNICH
“Everyone at Bayern is deeply saddened to hear the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sven’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.” — Reuters.
Online Reporter