Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has opened up heartbreakingly about his terminal illness.
Eriksson, 76, revealed in January that he had pancreatic cancer and was nearing the end of his life, with a “best case scenario” of having just one year left to live.
The Swede enjoyed a hugely successful coaching career, managing the likes of Benfica, Lazio, Manchester City, Leicester City and Roma, while he also managed England between 2001 and 2006 and was the first foreign manager to take charge of the Three Lions.
She remains hugely popular in the UK and has received a significant outpouring of love and support since her terminal cancer diagnosis.
And Eriksson provided an update on his health this week from his native Sweden, where he decided to remain positive.
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has opened up heartbreakingly about his terminal illness
Eriksson (pictured with partner Yaniseth Alcides) revealed in January that he had pancreatic cancer and was nearing the end of his life, with a “best case scenario” of one year remaining.
Eriksson managed England from 2001 to 2006, but failed to lead the ‘Golden Generation’ to glory
“So far I am a healthy and sick man,” he said. The Guardian. ‘Sometimes (dying) crosses your mind, but I try not to think about it. Saying no to that (being afraid of dying), I guess it’s a lie.
‘Of course you appreciate everything (more now). Also the little things, like when your friends say to you in passing: “Are you free for a coffee?” “Yes, of course, come in.” And we sit down and talk about old memories on the football pitch. So I appreciate the little things a lot more than before.’
Eriksson, who fulfilled a lifelong dream of managing Liverpool at Anfield by taking charge of a legends match in April, also said he now appreciates his family more, which includes partner Yaniseth Alcides, with whom he has been for 16 years.
The 76-year-old is best known for his time in charge of England, but despite coaching the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ he failed to lead the Three Lions to glory.
At the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, as well as Euro 2004, England were eliminated in the quarter-finals as Eriksson struggled to build a successful team amid myriad divisions within the squad.
However, Eriksson won 40 of his 67 games in charge and enjoyed subsequent international stints with Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines.
Having coached England, the 76-year-old is a man who knows exactly the pressures that come with the job.
Following Gareth Southgate’s departure after Euro 2024, England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley was appointed in interim charge on Friday, but there is still much speculation over who will take over on a permanent basis.
However, Eriksson admitted he is worried about whoever gets the role and stated he really “feels sorry” for them.
Despite his lack of success, Eriksson is popular in England and has received much support.
The former Three Lions manager admitted he “feels sorry” for whoever replaces Gareth Southgate
“Think of the pressure that the new coach will have on his shoulders,” he added. “Southgate: two finals, a semi-final, and that’s not enough for the English. So the next one they have to win. Anything else is a failure.”
“I feel sorry for whoever comes in. If he doesn’t win a big tournament, he will be criticised, and so will the players, of course. It will be a brave man who takes on that job.”
Despite everything he faces, Eriksson remains philosophical as he looks to the future, admitting he simply appreciates “waking up and feeling good and alive.”
“All we know is that we’re all going to die sooner or later,” he said. “Hopefully later.”
