They say leading England’s men’s national team is one of football’s toughest gigs. Even David Beckham has struggled to withstand the pressure as the Three Lions captain. Then imagine what a manager must be going through. Imagine the kind of stress a coach has to go through, especially when they are coaching a bunch of soccer’s all-time greats such as Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard, to name a few. That was the Sweden-born England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson for you.

Sven-Goran Eriksson sadly passed away just a few hours ago after battling cancer. He leaves behind a rich coaching legacy that many would aspire to replicate in their careers. As a coach, the Swedish veteran had asserted his dominion across Europe, managing teams in England, Italy, and Portugal, among others. A hallmark of the eventful and successful life he led, the late legend showed sublime gentleness to say a final goodbye to his close ones and fans. And the former England boss’ message had a bit of philosophy and optimism that would uplift any fellow human.

Sven-Goran Eriksson hoped people would remember him as a “positive guy”

The former Manchester City and England boss breathed his last, aged 76, after battling terminal pancreatic cancer since January this year. Devastated by Eriksson’s passing, the soccer world is filled with tributes and condolences. But before any of them could emotionally speak about the veteran gaffer has stunned us with his touching thoughts. “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is,” Sven-Goran Eriksson said in his final message, as compiled by Mirror.

The message also read, “Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.” Indeed, we can hear a wise old coach speak about life and its complexities. “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. Bye,” the former Three Lions boss concluded his last message.

Now, let’s how the rest of the soccer world remembers the legendary Swedish manager.

A sneak peek into Sven-Goran Eriksson’s monumental career, as the soccer world pays tribute

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s soccer journey is quite similar to that of many big managers we know today. His playing career was rather oblivious. But even while having such a career, he eyed a bright future as a manager. He closely followed in fellow Swedish manager Tord Grip’s footsteps and became his assistant manager in the Swedish club Karlskoga. Sven-Goran Eriksson attracted global attention when he left Sweden for Italy to coach the Serie A powerhouse Roma. His Italian stint became truly historic when he led Lazio to sensational honors including the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia title.

Later he became a household name among English soccer fans after he coached England, Manchester City, and Leicester City. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former England and Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. Our thoughts and condolences are with Sven’s family and friends,” the English Premier League wrote, remembering Eriksson during his passing.

“Everyone at Leicester City Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former Manager, Sven-Göran Eriksson. Our thoughts are with Sven’s family and friends at this sad time,” Leicester City said in a statement.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also rushed to pay tribute to the former Three Lions boss. “Deeply saddened to hear that Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away. He will be remembered for his tremendous contribution to English football,” the PM wrote on X.

The lost Swedish legend will forever remain a gold standard for soccer managers around the world. Hence, by looking back at his stellar career across Europe, we bid farewell to a true genius and inspiring icon of the game. Rest in peace, Sven-Goren Eriksson.