Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has lost his long drawn battle with cancer, passing on at the age of 76.
Eriksson, the first non-British manager of the England team, led the Three Lions to the quarter-finals at three major tournaments during his five-year spell in charge between 2001 and 2006.
In January Eriksson said he had “at best” a year to live after being diagnosed with cancer.
His family stated on Monday: “Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away. After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.”
The Swede managed 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma and Lazio, winning 18 trophies.
Eriksson also had spells in charge of Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines.
After retiring as a player at the age of 27, Eriksson began his managerial career with Degerfors in 1977 before joining fellow Swedish side Gothenburg, where he won the Swedish title, two Swedish cups and the 1982 Uefa Cup.
He then went on to enjoy two spells with Portuguese giants Benfica as well as managing Italian sides Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Lazio – where he won seven trophies including the Serie A title, two Italian Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Following his diagnosis Eriksson spent the year visiting some of his former clubs, including Lazio and Sampdoria.
In March the Swede, a lifelong Liverpool fan, helped lead a Liverpool Legends team which beat an Ajax Legends side 4-2 at Anfield.
He shared a poignant message at the end of his new documentary film ‘Sven’, which was released earlier this month.
He said: “I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do.
“Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.”
