Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Swedish soccer manager who spent five years as England's first ever foreign-born coach after making his name winning trophies at club level in Italy, Portugal and Sweden, died Monday. He was 76. Eriksson died at home surrounded by his family, his agent Bo Gustavsson told The Associated Press.
His death followed eight months after he revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had at most one year to live. That news led to Eriksson receiving a surge of affection and tributes from his former players and clubs, a biographical documentary being made, and a visit to his favourite club Liverpool which invited him to be manager for the day at a charity game. Fondly known as "Svennis" in his native Sweden, Eriksson had a modest, nine-year playing career before retiring at the age of 27 and embarking on what proved to be a nomadic coaching career that reached its peak when he was hired by England in 2001.
Within months, he led an underachieving team to a stunning signature win -- 5-1 against Germany in Munich in a World Cup qualifying game. Eriksson led what was regarded as a "golden generation" of players, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, at the World Cups in 2002 and 2006 and got the team to the quarterfinals at both tournaments before elimination by Brazil and Portugal, respectively. In the only other major tournament under Eriksson -- the European Championship in 2004 -- England was also ousted at the quarterfinal stage, by Portugal and via a penalty shootout like at the World Cup in 2006.
"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" -- Prince William, president of the English Football Association. "Sven, thank you for always being the person you have always been - passionate, caring, calm and a true gentleman. I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain" - David Beckham, who was England captain under Eriksson.
"As a coach, Sven-Goran was both a great innovator and a true ambassador of our beautiful game" -- FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "Swedish football feels deep gratitude for everything Svennis has contributed and we stand together in grief with his loved ones. Rest in peace Svennis!" -- Swedish soccer federation "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" -- English FA chief executive Mark Bullingham "One of the very best and a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the world of football" - Michael Owen, who scored three times in England's 5-1 win over Germany in 2001.
"He will be remembered for his tremendous contribution to English football which brought joy to so many over the years" - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer "Thank you for everything that you have done for us" - Italian club Lazio, which Eriksson coached to win the Serie A league title in 2000 "He was fundamental in my development as a player and a man. I admired his calmness, how polite he was and the way he really respected everybody. He was a source of inspiration for me" - Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi, who played for Eriksson at Lazio "You gave a lot to this world, and you will be missed.
Bye, Mr Eriksson" -- AC Milan, the storied Italian team that beat Eriksson's Benfica in the 1990 European Cup final "Thanks for all the memories, Svennis. We never forget you" -- IFK Gothenburg, the Swedish club where Eriksson made his reputation "Rest in peace, Sven. A special man.
Thanks for the memories and all your help and advice" -- former England forward Wayne Rooney - AP.
