Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away :: Olé

26/08/2024 09:40hs.

“At best, I have one year left to live”. On November 1, 2023, Sven-Goran Eriksson He publicly revealed that he was suffering from pancreatic cancer and that it was a terminal illness. This Monday, August 26, 2024, at the age of 76, the experienced Swedish coach stopped suffering. Throughout his 42 years as a coach, he managed 12 clubs and 4 national teams. He was present in three World Cups and won 19 titles.

At that time, when he revealed his illness, he began a race for survival that he maintained until Monday, when the news of his death was announced. The news had an impact on the world of football because Eriksson had a great career as a coach. His highest peak was at Lazio in Italy, where he managed from 1997 to 2001 and won six titles, including the Serie A and two international cups (the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the European Super Cup).

With Pekerman in a friendly between Argentina and England in 2005.

He had the luxury of being able to coach in three World Cups. In 2002 and 2006 he was in charge of the England national team (they beat Bielsa’s Argentina in Korea-Japan) and in 2010 he was in charge of the Ivory Coast national team. He was also the coach of two other national teams: Mexico and the Philippines.

His relationship with the Argentines

During his years in football, Eriksson coached several Argentine footballers. The first one he crossed paths with was Ramón Díaz, when he played for Fiorentina. But later Juan Sebastián Verón followed. (he posted a message on his social networks when the news of the disease became known)Diego Simeone, Roberto Sensini, Matias Almeyda, Claudio Lopez, Jose Chamot, Hernan Crespo and Lucas Castroman.

Sebastian Veron and Eriksson at Lazio, where they were champions.(@juansebastian.veron)

His farewell letter

A few days ago, Eriksson revealed a final message, aware of how little time he had left to live. “I had a good life. I think we are all afraid of dying, but life is also about death. You have to learn to accept it as it is. Hopefully, in the end people will say, yes, he was a good man, but not everyone will say that,” he said. And he continued: “I hope I’m remembered as a positive guy who tried to do everything he could. Don’t regret it, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, fans, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it. Bye bye”.

The dream come true

After the news of his illness broke, Eriksson was asked in an interview what dream he had left to fulfil in football. He replied: “managing Liverpool.”

The English club echoed these words and at Jurgen Klopp’s request it was decided to hold a friendly match and invite Eriksson to be the team’s coach. That happened in March of this year. when a team made up of Liverpool legends faced an Ajax team. There, the Swede sat on the Reds bench alongside Klopp.

Eriksson with Steven Gerrard when he fulfilled his dream of managing a Liverpool match.