Sven-Goran Eriksson says he faces “the biggest failure of all.” Photo: Geoff Pugh for Telegraph
Sven-Göran Eriksson has revealed a terminal cancer diagnosis that he says leaves him with a year to live in a «best-case» scenario.
«I have to fight as long as possible,» added the 75-year-old footballer, who managed England for five years before resigning after the 2006 World Cup.
Eriksson stood down from his last role as coach as sporting director of Swedish club Karlstad 11 months ago due to health problems.< /p>
Referring to his unhealthy appearance, he said in an interview with his home country's P1 radio: “Everyone sees that I have a disease that I don’t have. ok and everyone thinks it's cancer and it is. But I will have to fight this for as long as possible.
“I know that in the best case it’s about a year, in the worst case it’s even less. Or at best, I suppose, even longer. I don’t think the doctors I have can be completely sure, they can’t give it a day.”
Sven-Goran Eriksson has his «best case» year of life after cancer diagnosis.
«When you get a message like that, it makes every day worth it.» pic.twitter.com/DwjeK5Go5N
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 11, 2024
There have been rumors about his health since he stopped working at Karlstad. He explained that he collapsed after running last year and learned that he was seriously ill.
“It’s better not to think about it,” said Eriksson, the father of two children from his first marriage. “You need to trick your brain. I could think about it all the time, sit at home, be unhappy and think that I'm unlucky, and so on.
“It's easy to find yourself in that position. But no, look at the positive side of things and don't get caught up in the failures, because that is of course the biggest failure of all.»
After the fall, doctors told him that he had suffered a stroke and also had cancer. «They don't know how long I had cancer, maybe a month or a year,» he said.
Eriksson was once one of the most respected club managers in football, having achieved success at IFK Gothenburg, Benfica . , Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Lazio. In the Premier League he managed Manchester City and Leicester City.
Besides his career in England, when he led the so-called Golden Generation, he also led Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines internationally.
“I live a completely normal life, Eriksson told the BBC World Service's Sporting Witness.
I'm not in hospital, I go to visit from time to time, but I live at home and I have friends here. Christmas and New Year, the whole family was here — a lot of people.
“I will try to exercise as much as possible, and this is less than a year ago, but I lead a normal life.
“When you get a message like that, you appreciate every day and you're happy when you wake up in the morning and feel good, that's what I do.
“I thought I was completely healthy, but suddenly I had a small stroke, so I fell and my children took me to the hospital.
“After one day of examination, I was told that I had five small strokes but they said, «No problem, you'll be 100 percent better from this,» but to make matters worse, they said I had cancer that they couldn't operate on.
“They said they would give me treatment and medicine to try to live as long as possible. I have this diagnosis and unfortunately they cannot work.”
While at the Football Association (initially on a £3 million-a-year contract), he was the most recognizable manager in the world. . He reinvigorated England and his early career in Munich included a famous 5-1 win over Germany.
Eriksson was unable to lead England to international success despite a stellar club career. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA
But overall there was a sense of disappointment that no major trophies were won by the likes of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and Frank Lampard at their peak.
His greatest era in England eventually came to an end after the News of the World sting in 2006. A few years earlier, he had already faced greater attention to his personal life after reports of relationships with TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson and FA secretary Faria. Alam.
Wayne Rooney, who made his England debut under Eriksson and then made a name for himself at Euro 2004, was among many well-wishers when he told his former manager to «keep fighting.» .
“Sad news this morning,” Rooney wrote on social media. “Thoughts are with Sven-Göran Eriksson and his family. A brilliant coach and a special person. Loved and respected by everyone. We are all with you, Sven, keep fighting.»
England social media account X wrote:
Sending our love Sven ❤️ pic.twitter.com/s6ga1APO0c
p>— England (@England) January 11, 2024
Peter Shilton, another ex England captain, said: “Very sad news to hear of Sven's illness. He is a true gentleman and a great manager.»
City, his former club, said: “The thoughts of everyone at Manchester City are with Sven-Göran Eriksson and we want to show our collective support to our former manager, his family and friends at this time. «.
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