Sven Goran Eriksson has died at age 76 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He had revealed the diagnosis himself last January, announcing he was given a year to live and starting touring stadiums where he spent his career. He visited Genoa’s Luigi Ferraris last May.
His family made the announcement on his website on Monday. The legendary coach got his start at Goteborg and managed Roma, Lazio, Benfica, and Sampdoria, among several other clubs. He was the first foreigner to ever helm the English national team.
Eriksson was the first gaffer to complete the ‘double,’ winning the championship and the domestic cup, in three different countries: Portugal, Sweden, and Italy, Corriere della Sera relays. He contributed to Lazio’s second Scudetto in 1999/2000.
In Italy, he first managed Roma for three seasons and Fiorentina for two in between spells at Benfica. He returned in 1992 for his iconic turns at Sampdoria and with the Biancocelesti. He headed to England afterward, guiding the Three Lions for over five years and reaching the quarter-finals in two Euros and the World Cup. The boss also spent time at Manchester City and Leicester City. He concluded his long career in China and the Philippines.
In addition to domestic titles, Eriksson lifted the Coppa Italia four times with three separate teams, the UEFA Cup with Goteborg and the Cup of Cups and the UEFA Super Cup with Lazio. He was well-liked everywhere he went in particular for his impeccable demeanor.
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