Sven-Goran Eriksson, the ex-manager of the England football team, has shared that he has been diagnosed with a serious form of cancer, with the ‘best case scenario’ suggesting he has approximately one year left to live.
Former Lazio head coach Sven Goran Eriksson, known for his successful managerial career in Italy and his time as England’s national team manager, has recently made a shocking revelation. The 75-year-old has disclosed that he is battling terminal cancer and has been given a prognosis of “maybe at best a year” to live. Eriksson shared this heartbreaking news during an interview on Swedish radio station P1.
Despite the gravity of his condition, Eriksson remains remarkably positive. He acknowledges that his disease is not operable and that the best-case scenario is a year, but he also believes that the doctors cannot be entirely certain. Rather than dwelling on the negative aspects, Eriksson chooses to focus on the positive and not let setbacks define him.
Eriksson’s managerial career has been nothing short of remarkable. He made history by becoming England’s first foreign manager in 2001, succeeding Peter Taylor. During his tenure, he guided the Three Lions to three consecutive quarter-finals in major tournaments. His leadership and tactical acumen were evident as he steered England through the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, only to be eliminated in penalty shootouts on both occasions.
Before his time with England, Eriksson had already made a name for himself in the football world. After retiring as a player in 1975, he embarked on a successful managerial career in Sweden before being appointed by Benfica. He led the Portuguese club to back-to-back titles in the 1980s, showcasing his ability to build winning teams.
Eriksson’s success in Portugal caught the attention of Italian clubs, and he went on to manage Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio. It was at Lazio where he achieved his greatest triumph, winning the domestic double and capturing the FA’s attention. This led to his appointment as England’s national team manager in January 2001.
Despite his achievements, Eriksson’s time with Manchester City was short-lived. He became the club’s first manager from outside the United Kingdom in 2007 but was sacked after just one season in charge. Nevertheless, his impact on English football cannot be understated.
As news of Eriksson’s battle with cancer spreads, the football community rallies around him, offering support and well-wishes. His positive attitude and determination to fight this disease serve as an inspiration to all. Sven Goran Eriksson’s legacy as a successful manager and his resilience in the face of adversity will forever be remembered in the world of football.