Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died 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 said on Monday: “Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away. After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home, surrounded by family.”
Sven-Göran Eriksson, the Swedish football manager, had an illustrious career that saw him manage 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester City, AS Roma, and Lazio, amassing 18 trophies along the way.
Eriksson’s international experience includes leading the national teams of Mexico, the Ivory Coast, and the Philippines. After retiring as a player at the young age of 27, Eriksson launched his managerial career with Degerfors in 1977.
He then joined Gothenburg, where he clinched the Swedish title, two Swedish Cups, and the 1982 UEFA Cup.
Eriksson’s success continued with two stints at Portuguese powerhouse Benfica and roles at several top Italian clubs, including Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio.
At Lazio, he secured seven trophies, highlighted by the Serie A title, two Italian Cups, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Following a recent diagnosis, Eriksson spent the past year visiting some of his former clubs, including Lazio and Sampdoria.
In March, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by helping to lead a Liverpool Legends team to a 4-2 victory over an Ajax Legends side at Anfield, a particularly special moment for the lifelong Liverpool fan.
Eriksson shared a heartfelt message at the end of his newly released documentary film, “Sven,” which debuted earlier this month.
He said: “I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could.
“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.”