“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do.“—Some last words from Sven-Goran Eriksson. The world of soccer mourns as the renowned Swedish manager says his final goodbye at 76. Known as the England national football team’s first overseas manager, Eriksson lived life to the fullest. But what exactly happened to one of soccer’s most revered managerial figures that he left the soccer world in tears?

2019 was the last time Eriksson sat in the dugout managing the Philippines National Team. Having enjoyed a managerial career across eight different countries, he transitioned to more off-pitch developments by joining Sweden’s IF Karlstad as a chief advisor in 2021 and, a year later, as sporting director. Unfortunately, February 2023 saw dark clouds hover over his life as he was forced to step down from the role shortly after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.

Though prayers and hope for quick recovery echoed from the soccer world, that wasn’t enough to see him recover from his long-term illness. On Monday, his family made the unfortunate announcement: “Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away. After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.” Additionally, Eriksson’s agent, Bo Gustavsson, also announced; “The family ask that their wish to be able to mourn in privacy is respected and that they are not contacted.” 

Notably, Sven-Goran Eriksson began his managerial journey in 1976 with Degerfors, followed by a move to IFK Göteborg. After spending six years in his nation to win three domestic silverware, he moved to Benfica, securing two Primeira Liga titles, before leading AS Roma to the 1985/86 Italian Cup. After an unsuccessful stint with Fiorentina, he returned to Benfica to win two more trophies.

Eriksson then guided Sampdoria to an Italian Cup, and enjoyed his most successful period with Lazio, winning the UEFA Super Cup, Serie A, Italian Super Cup in 1999/00, and the Supercoppa the following year. From 2001 to 2006, he managed England, taking them to the quarter-finals of two World Cups and a European Championship. He briefly managed Manchester City before returning to international management with Mexico.

Eriksson’s later roles included director of football at Notts County, managing Ivory Coast and Leicester, and holding similar positions at UAE’s Al-Nassr and Thailand’s BEC Tero Sasana, as well as managing three Chinese clubs. While an unfortunate medical condition saw him leave the beautiful game for good, Eriksson did come back before giving a farewell message to his beloved fans.

An emotional message from Sven-Goran Eriksson to all the beloved fans!

Before Sven-Goran Eriksson passed, Amazon Prime had released a documentary showcasing his career achievements. Counting down his days on his deathbed, the Swede left a final, touching message for his beloved fans. “I had a good life,” he said. “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.”

Accepting his reality, the former Three Lions boss added, “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. 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.”

Remarkably, shortly before his passing, Liverpool gave Eriksson the chance to manage his boyhood club at Anfield during a charity match against Ajax. Despite never having managed the Reds during his career, Eriksson seized this opportunity for himself, as well as in honor of his father, Sven Snr—also a Liverpool fan—who watched his son occupy the managerial seat for one last time way back from Sweden on TV.

“I was a little bit crying. That will be a huge memory in life. To sit on the bench for Liverpool has been my dream my whole life and now it happened. Thank you to Liverpool for giving me the opportunity,” he stated after the game. Interestingly, Eriksson’s last game while managing Liverpool Legends was no ordinary, watching the Reds make a comeback from 2-0 to win the 4-2 over Ajax in front of over 60,000 spectators.

Sven-Goran Eriksson surely enjoyed a remarkable career in the beautiful game. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us, as the iconic Swede has etched his name in the annals of history forever. Rest in Peace.