SVEN GORAN-ERIKSSON was given a tremendous reception at a gala event in Sweden just days after revealing he has terminal cancer.
Former England boss Eriksson, 75, confirmed earlier this month that he has “at best a year” to live as he battles pancreatic cancer.
But just 11 days after the news broke about his illness, the former manager appeared at the Friends Arena in Stockholm to present an award.
And when he stepped on stage to hand out the Leader of the Year trophy at the Swedish Sports Gala, he received a hero’s welcome from the adoring crowd.
Special guest Eriksson smiled throughout the evening as he received kind words from ex-footballers.
As reported by Dagens Nyheter, former Sweden captain Tommy Soderberg said: “Sven has always been a great source of inspiration.”
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While ex-Sweden keeper Thomas Ravelli added: “With his innovative thinking and a new way of playing football, he has meant a lot to Swedish football.
“That’s why it feels extra nice that we get the chance to pay tribute to him for that.”
Eriksson attended the event with partner, Yaniseth Alcides, and daughter, Lina.
The former Three Lions head coach also revealed on Monday night that he collapsed on a run last year before finding out he was seriously ill.
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Yet the much-loved football man continues to see the positives in his situation.
Eriksson said: “It is not good. Everyone guessed it’s cancer and it is. 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.”
When Sweden’s P1 radio station asked him how long he has left to live, he added: “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 coached a host of huge clubs during his managerial career including Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Lazio, Manchester City and Leicester.
He also took charge of Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines’ national teams.
But his most high-profile role came as England boss – which he held from 2001 to 2006.
He led the team to the quarter-finals of two World Cups and Euro 2004.
Meanwhile, news of Eriksson’s terminal illness has led Liverpool fans to call on their club to allow him to live his “dream” by managing the Reds at a charity match against Ajax in March.
Eriksson, a life-long Liverpool supporter, was asked if he had heard about this when he appeared on Good Morning Britain on Monday.
To which he replied: “No I didn’t know about that. I knew that they had a charity game. In March I think it is. And me and my son are invited to see that game.
“That might be great and there will be a lot of good football players there.
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“But that I should be their manager? No I’ve never heard that.”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp also confirmed he would be happy to let Eriksson take his job for the day.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
