Sven-Goran Eriksson: David Beckham Pays Tribute, Reveals ex-England Manager’s Final Words
Late Sven-Goran Eriksson became the first foreign manager of the England men’s football team in 2001, coaching the so-called “golden generation” of players including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Wayne Rooney.
David Beckham, who was named England captain by Eriksson, has described his old boss as a “true gentleman”.
Posting on Instagram, Beckham said: “We laughed, we cried & we knew we were saying goodbye… Sven thank you for always being the person you have always been, passionate, caring, calm & a true gentleman.
“I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain, but I will forever hold these last memories of this day with you and your family…
“Thank you Sven and in your last words to me: ‘It will be ok’.”
Eriksson’s touching final message
Sven-Goran Eriksson told his fans to “not be sorry, smile” in a touching message ahead of his passing.
In an Amazon Prime documentary, Eriksson said: “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.”
Eriksson had pancreatic cancer and at the beginning of 2024 revealed he only had a year to live “at best”.
Opening up about his diagnosis in the film ‘Sven’, he suggests his ashes be scattered in the Swedish Fryken lakes, near where he was born, Sunne, and where he grew up, Torsby.
“It was a shock. It’s one of those which will not go away, but you can slow them down, hopefully,” he said.
“I have no pain, but I know it’s there. One day, it will take you.
“Before that, I live, instead of sitting down thinking about what and when it will happen.”
FIFA president says ‘innovator’ Eriksson ‘always led with a smile.’
The president of FIFA has described Eriksson as a “great innovator and a true ambassador of our beautiful game.”
Gianni Infantino noted his record of winning titles in three different European countries – Sweden, Italy, and Portugal – and an international career spanning four continents.
Not only did he lead England, but also Mexico, the Philippines, and the Ivory Coast.
Mr. Infantino added: “As a football person, he always led with enthusiasm and with a smile.
“On behalf of FIFA and our global community, I send my condolences to Sven-Goran’s family and friends at this difficult time. RIP.”
Also, Wayne Rooney, who was handed his England debut as a teenager under Eriksson, has hailed him as “a very special man” and thanked him “for the memories and all your help and advice”.
“Rest in peace, Sven,” the ex-Manchester United and Everton striker tweeted, alongside a picture of himself and his former manager.
“A special man. Thanks for the memories and all your help and advice.
“Thoughts and prayers with all his family and friends.”