The European media have paid tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson after the Swedish legend tragically passed away at the age of 76.
Former England boss Eriksson revealed in January that he had pancreatic cancer and was approaching the end of his life, with a ‘best case’ scenario seeing him only having a year left to live.
And, seven months later, a statement released on behalf of the Swede’s family confirmed the devastating news on Monday morning.
Eriksson enjoyed a hugely successful managerial career, coaching the likes of Benfica, Lazio, Man City, Leicester City and Roma, while he also led England between 2001 and 2006 and was the first ever foreign coach to be in charge of the Three Lions.
He was a hugely popular figure and following news of his tragic passing, several European papers honoured the Swede.
The European papers have paid tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson after he passed away aged 76
Eriksson was hugely popular in Italy, particularly for his exploits with Lazio, where he won their second and last Scudetto, while he also managed Roma, Fiorentina and Sampdoria
The Italian papers paid tribute, with La Gazzetta dello Sport calling him ‘the master of football’
The Swede led Roma, Lazio, Fiorentina and Sampdoria in Italy, winning the Coppa Italia with both Roma and Sampdoria, before he guided Lazio to their second ever and most recent Scudetto.
During his time with Lazio, Eriksson won seven trophies in total and is renowned as one of the club’s greatest ever managers.
Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport had a picture of Eriksson on their front page, honouring the Swede, with the headline ‘Il Signore Del Calcio’, which translates as ‘the master of football’.
Meanwhile, fellow Italian daily newspaper Tuttosport paid tribute to Eriksson’s personality as they said: ‘Sei stato un signore’, meaning ‘you were a gentleman’.
The esteem Eriksson is held in in Italy was further exemplified by Corriere dello Sport’s front page being dedicated to the former England boss, with a headline of: ‘Un Amore Di Sven’, translating as ‘A love of Sven’.
The Portuguese press – who Eriksson interacted with during his two spells in charge of Benfica – also honoured the Swede, with O Jogo saying: ‘Toas as reacoes da familia do futebol a perda,’ meaning ‘all of the football family reacts to the loss’.
Elsewhere, A Bola posted a photo of Eriksson during his younger days, with a quote from his emotional goodbye message of ‘Tive uma boa vida’, which translates as ‘I had a good life.’
Eriksson’s family announced the tragic news in a statement on Monday, which read: ‘After a long illness, Sven-Goran Eriksson 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.
‘The family asks for respect for their wish to mourn in private and not be contacted. Condolences and greetings can be left on the website www.svengoraneriksson.com.’
Eriksson was also hailed by the Portuguese press following the news of his tragic passing
Eriksson led England from 2001 to 2006, but was unable to inspire the Three Lions to glory
Eriksson was most famous for his time in charge of England, but despite coaching what was dubbed a ‘Golden Generation’, he was unable to lead the Three Lions to glory.
At the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, along with Euro 2004, England were knocked out at the quarter-final stage as Eriksson struggled to cultivate a successful team, amid a myriad of club divides within the squad.
Nevertheless, Eriksson won 40 of his 67 games in charge and enjoyed subsequent international stints with Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines.
Despite his lack of success with the Three Lions, he remained hugely popular in the UK – where he later coached Manchester City and Leicester – and received a significant outpouring of love and support after his terminal cancer diagnosis.
