Entertainment world reacts to death of former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson: “A true gentleman of the game”

26 August, 2024

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksso

Figures in the entertainment world – such as David Beckham, Sir Keir Starmer and Wayne Rooney – have paid tribute to former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, who has died aged 76.

Eriksson, who previously also managed Manchester City and Leicester City, passed away after battling pancreatic cancer.

“Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away,” his family said in a statement via Sky News. “After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.

“The closest mourners are daughter Lina; son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; father Sven; girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides; brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong.”

He was the first foreign manager to manage England in 2001, coaching a “golden generation” of players including Beckham, Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. Eriksson left the role after the 2006 World Cup and went on to manage Manchester City and Leicester City among others.

After announcing his cancer diagnosis, Eriksson was granted a lifelong wish when he led out a team of Liverpool legends, as they played in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March.

Among those who paid tribute were Beckham who wrote: “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”.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also said he was “deeply saddened” by Eriksson’s death, adding: “He will be remembered for his tremendous contribution to English football which brought joy to so many over the years. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney also offered his condolences.

He wrote: “Rest in peace, Sven. A special man. Thanks for the memories and all your help and advice. Thoughts and prayers with all his family and friends.”

Paying tribute, Liverpool FC said: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven’s family and friends at this extremely sad time,” while Prince William, president of the Football Association said he was “sad to hear about” his passing.

He added: “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.”

Noel Gallagher was a big fan during Eriksson’s tenure at Manchester City and was angry when former owner Thaksin Shinawatra, sacked him in 2008.

He said at the time: “To get rid of him [Eriksson] after the best season I can remember is ridiculous. It can’t be for any footballing reasons.

“For a club that’s been going nowhere fast for the last 25 years, with a manager who’s the best out there bar Jose Mourinho… he turned it around and gave us a bit of style and dignity and grace. He bought some great players. The fans have got pride back in the club… I just think it’s beyond a joke.”

The club paid their respects upon hearing the news of his death. They wrote: “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.”

You can view further tributes to Eriksson below:

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