Eriksson's impact on football: Beckham, Rooney remember their mentor
His time with England, from 2001 to 2006, was marked by quarter-final appearances in two World Cups and a European Championship.
SHAH ALAM - Swedish football icon Sven-Goran Eriksson, renowned for leading England's "Golden Generation" and achieving success across Europe, has passed away at the age of 76.
After a courageous battle with terminal pancreatic cancer, Eriksson peacefully passed away at his home in Bjorkefors, Sweden, surrounded by his loved ones.
His children, Lina and Johan, announced the sad news, sharing that their father "fell asleep peacefully" after a brave fight against his illness.
They expressed their gratitude for the countless messages of love and support from football fans around the world.
"He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden where they shared their love for football and for dad. It was unforgettable for both him and us,” they said.
Eriksson's managerial career spanned over four decades, during which he won 18 trophies with clubs like Lazio, Roma and Benfica.
His time with England, from 2001 to 2006, was marked by quarter-final appearances in two World Cups and a European Championship.
His achievements also included a memorable 5-1 victory over Germany in 2001, a result that remains etched in English football history.
David Beckham, whom Eriksson appointed as England captain in 2001, led the tributes, sharing a heartfelt message on social media.
"Sven, thank you for always being the person you have always been—passionate, caring, calm and a true gentleman.
"I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain.
"We laughed, we cried and we knew we were saying goodbye. Thank you Sven and in your last words to me 'It will be okay’,” Beckham said.
Wayne Rooney, who made his England debut under Eriksson at just 17, described him as a ‘special man’ and expressed his gratitude for the guidance and support he received.
"Rest in peace, Sven. Thanks for the memories and all your help and advice," Rooney said.
Michael Owen, another member of England's ‘Golden Generation’ echoed these sentiments, calling Eriksson one of the very best and noting that everyone in the world of football will sadly miss him.
Eriksson's influence extended far beyond England.
Serie A clubs, where he enjoyed significant success, also paid tribute. Lazio, where Eriksson won the Serie A title in 2000, changed the colour of their club crest to black on social media in his honour.
"Thanks for everything you did for us, mister," the club posted on X.
Roma, Sampdoria and Fiorentina, where Eriksson also managed, joined in the tributes, as did Italian giants Juventus, Milan and Inter.
Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, who played under Eriksson at Lazio, shared his sorrow as well.
"He was fundamental in my growth as a footballer and as a man. I admired his calmness, his education, and the great respect he had for everyone. Sven was a great man, an example for everyone.
"He taught us to live while he was dying,” Inzaghi said.
Reflecting on his life in a recent documentary, Eriksson delivered a poignant message.
"I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when it is finished; when we die. But life is about death as well.
"You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully, at the end, people will say, 'Yeah, he was a good man.'
“But everyone will not say that. I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do.
"Do not be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything—coaches, players, the crowds. It has been fantastic. Take care of yourself and your life and live it. Bye,” Eriksson said.
As the football world mourns his passing, Eriksson will be remembered not only for his tactical brilliance and achievements on the pitch but also for his warmth, humility and the lasting impact he had on the many players, fans and colleagues who had the privilege of knowing him.
