Former England Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson Diagnosed with Terminal Cancer

The former England football manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson, has received a devastating health diagnosis. After collapsing and fainting following a run, he was informed by doctors that he has terminal pancreatic cancer. The 75-year-old Swede has been given at best a year to live. Eriksson revealed this shocking news in an interview with TalkTV. He expressed his determination to fight against the illness instead of giving up.

Despite accepting the inevitable, Eriksson refuses to sit alone at home. He and his family have daily discussions and are dealing with the news together. The sudden diagnosis took him by surprise as he felt fully fit before his collapse. Now on medication to slow down the progression of the cancer, Eriksson remains hopeful for as much time as possible.

Eriksson’s family, including his children who live in Spain and Stockholm, have rallied around him. They visit as often as they can and provide constant support. The former England manager also disclosed that he had experienced multiple small strokes in one day but is not in severe pain.

Sven-Goran Eriksson is best known for coaching the “golden generation” of England footballers, including Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and Frank Lampard, from 2001 to 2006. Under his guidance, England reached three consecutive quarter-finals in major tournaments. He also managed one of England’s most famous victories, a 5-1 win over Germany in Munich in September 2001.

After leaving his last coaching role with the Philippines‘ national team in 2018-19, Eriksson resigned as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad Football 11 months ago due to health issues. Despite the setback, Eriksson stays connected to football, regularly watching matches and maintaining contact with Karlstad. Reflecting on his lifelong passion for the sport, he describes football as a “good poison” that shaped his life.

The news of Eriksson’s diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of support, including from his former England player Wayne Rooney. Rooney considers Eriksson a “special person” and expressed his thoughts and well wishes on Twitter. Eriksson, who had a successful playing and coaching career, won the UEFA Cup with IFK Gothenburg in the early 1980s before managing various clubs such as Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, and Sampdoria. He later led Lazio to multiple successes as well. His impact on English football leaves a lasting legacy.