Former England manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson, has revealed that he is battling terminal cancer and may have only months left to live.
The revelation follows speculation about Eriksson’s health after he stepped down from his role as the sporting director of Karlstad in Sweden.
He disclosed that the turning point came last year when he collapsed during a 5km run, leading to a series of medical examinations.
Doctors discovered that Eriksson not only suffered a stroke but also had cancer.
In an interview with Sweden’s P1 radio, Eriksson said: “Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.
“Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is.
“But I have to fight as long as I can.
“It is not good.
“But I have to fight as long as I can.
“But you can trick your brain.
“See the positive in things, don’t wallow in adversity, because this is the biggest adversity of course, but make something good out of it.
“Maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer.
“You can’t be absolutely sure.
“It is better not to think about it.”
Eriksson’s Managerial Career
Throughout his illustrious managerial career, Eriksson was at the helm at clubs such as IFK Gothenburg, Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio, Manchester City, and Leicester City.
Additionally, he managed national teams including Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines.
However, Eriksson’s most prominent tenure was with the England national team from 2001 to 2006, during which he managed the ‘golden generation’ of football stars, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard.
Despite high expectations, Eriksson’s England did not secure a major trophy during this period.
Eriksson’s Career Highlights
Eriksson had a trophy-laden stint with Lazio from 1997-2001.
He bagged a host of silverware including the Coppa Italia and the Italian Supercup in 1998 and 2000 respectively, the European Cup Winners’ Cup (1999), and the Serie A title in 2000.
Eriksson guided the Three Lions to a last-eight finish in the 2002 World Cup before falling to eventual winners Brazil.
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Two years later, they were ousted at the same stage in Euro 2004 by a Portugal side that featured superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo.
It was once again Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Portugal that got the better of them in the 2006 World Cup in penalties following a controversial red card to Wayne Rooney.
