Swedish coach Sven Jeran Eriksson has passed away. He died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 76.
Born in 1948, Eriksson was the first foreign head coach of the English national football team. He has led Benfica (Portugal), AS Roma, Lazio (Italy), Manchester City, Leicester City (England), and the Mexican national team.
Soccer stars with Eriksson expressed their deep condolences at the news of the legend's death. David Beckham, who led the England national team's 'Golden Generation' with coach Eriksson, posted a video on his personal social media (social network service) where he met Eriksson, who was battling the disease, in January. He also left a condolence message. Beckham said 'You've always been a true gentleman, enthusiastic, caring and calm. Thank you for that. I will forever cherish the last memory we had together.
Wayne Rooney, who made his England debut at the age of 17 under Eriksson's leadership, also posted on social media, "'Rest in peace, coach.' He was a very special person. Thank you for all the memories of helping me and guiding me. I send my prayers to my family and relatives. Rooney, who was born in 1985, made his England debut on February 12, 2003, at the age of 17 years and 111 days. He replaced Eriksson in the second half of the warm-up match against Australia.
'The Long-Heeled Striker'Peter Crouch was also a very good man. When many people doubted my potential, coach Eriksson made me debut for the national team. Crouch was called by coach Eriksson in May 2005. After being selected for the England national team for the first time, he made his debut and grew into a key striker.
사진=EPA Yonhap News
사진=AP Yonhap News
Photo = AFP Yonhap News
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), the current captain of the England national team, also joined the memorial. Kane did not have the privilege to play with director Eriksson in the British press BBC. But I know how many people who played with him respected and liked him. My condolences go out to his family and relatives."
Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, said, `I am saddened by the news of Eriksson's death. Eriksson was a great innovator and a true representative of a beautiful game. I would like to express my condolences on behalf of FIFA.
In addition, Manchester City, where coach Eriksson took the helm, mourned with messages such as 'Rest in Peace' and AS Roma's 'CIAO Sven'. In the second round of Italy's Serie A in the 2024-2025 season between Verona and Juventus, players from both teams had time to pay tribute to coach Eriksson before kickoff.
Meanwhile, British media Daily Star reported 'Eriksson is Africa. It swept across Europe as well as Asia and Central America. One of the most decorated coaches in history, winning 18 cups in his 42-year career.
