Death of Sven-Göran Eriksson – News: Mourning for former English coach after illness

England said on X: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sven-Göran Eriksson, who coached the Three Lions from 2001 to 2006, at the age of 76. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Rest in peace, Sven. We will miss you very much.”

We have already brought you tributes from Gothenburg and Manchester City, but his other former clubs have also paid tribute to him.

Benfica said on X: “It is with deep regret that Sport Lisboa e Benfica mourns the death of Sven-Göran Eriksson at the age of 76. Rest in peace, Sir.”

Fiorentina said: “Fiorentina joins the [football] Family mourns Sven Göran Eriksson.”

While Sampdoria opted for the simpler version: “Ciao Sven”, accompanied by a blue heart.

Statement from Sven-Göran Eriksson's children: “Our father Sven-Göran Eriksson passed away peacefully this morning in his house in Björkefors outside Sunne. He fought bravely against his illness for a long time, but now it is over.

“Our thoughts are with Sven-Göran’s father Sven, his girlfriend Yaniseth and their son Alcides, his brother Lasse and his wife Jumnong, as well as all good friends and acquaintances in Sweden and around the world.

“Papa told us about his serious illness earlier this year and received an incredible response from friends and football fans across Europe. He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. They shared their love for football and for Papa. It was unforgettable for him and us. He expressed his gratitude and joy and said that such beautiful words are usually only spoken when someone has died.”

“I can hear it while I'm alive and I'm incredibly grateful for that. The heart beats twice and the tears come. I had the best job in the world and was happy every day for long periods of time. It was fantastic,” he said.

“We shared his gratitude and witnessed the wonderful encounters between him, football and all his friends. We thank everyone for these positive memories and your support during his illness.”

“We hope you remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was, both in public and in our home.”

IFK Göteborg: “When Svennis joined IFK Göteborg in 1979, he made a big impression in Swedish football. He also enjoyed success abroad with Benfica, Roma, Sampdoria and Lazio – to name just a few.

“We remember Svennis for that, but we also remember his warmth, curiosity, openness and joy. Thank you for all the memories, Svennis. We will never forget you.”

Manchester City, another of Eriksson's former clubs, joined in the memorial services, tweeting: “We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sven-Göran Eriksson, who has passed away at the age of 76. Rest in peace, Sven.” Lazio, where Eriksson enjoyed a hugely successful spell between 1997 and 2001, tweeted a picture of their former coach and wrote: “Thank you for everything you did for us, Mister.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Sad to hear of the passing of Sven-Göran Eriksson. I met him several times when he was England manager and was always impressed by his charisma and passion for the game. My thoughts are with his family and friends. A true gentleman of the game.”

Here is today’s statement from Sven-Göran Eriksson’s family:

“After a long illness, Sven-Göran Eriksson died this morning at home surrounded by his family. The closest mourners are daughter Lina, son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky, father Sven, girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides and brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong. The family asks for respect for their wish to mourn privately and not to be contacted. Condolences and greetings can be left on the website www.svengoraneriksson.com.”

The FA were among the first to pay tribute to him. Chief executive Mark Bullingham said in a statement: “This is a very sad day. It has brought such special memories to all England fans. No one will ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven's leadership.”

“Sven will be recognised and remembered forever for his significant work with the England team and his wider contribution to football.

“On behalf of my colleagues at the FA, past and present, our thoughts are with his friends and family today. He will be greatly missed and we will pay tribute to him when we play Finland at Wembley next month.”

A statement on his official website confirmed that he died on Monday morning (26 August) surrounded by his family.

“I had a good life,” Eriksson noted.

He will be remembered in England for the ultimately disappointing tournament finishes, the supposed golden generation that stumbled in three consecutive quarter-finals and the sense of what might have been – even though his successors Steve McClaren and Fabio Capello did even worse with the same players – but his performances before that make him a strong candidate for the title of best Swedish manager. He was one of the best managers ever in the two decades before he received a call from his agent Athole Still, who he thought was joking when he asked if Eriksson was interested in the England job.