SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON DEAD

The former England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died. He was 76.

The news of his death was announced by his children, Lina and Johan.

“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 now it came to an end.”

In January, Eriksson announced that he was diagnosed with cancer. Then, he said he had “at best” a year to live.

“Dad told us at the beginning of this year about his serious illness and received an amazing response from his friends and football fans around Europe.”

Eriksson managed to visit several of the teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden during this time.

“It was unforgettable for both him and us. He expressed his appreciation and joy and stated that such beautiful words are usually only uttered when someone has died.”

From 2001 to 2006, Eriksson made history by becoming the first non-British manager of the national football team. Under his eye, the team reached the quarter-finals of three big tournaments.

Image credit: Sky Sports