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      Heartbreaking moment Sven-Goran Eriksson opens up on where Ex-England boss wanted his ashes spread

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      FORMER England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson opened up about where he wanted his ashes to be spread just days before his death.Eriksson passed away on Monday morning aged 76 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.Sven-Goran Eriksson opened up about where he wanted his ashes spreadCredit: X @primevideosportHis two children announced the heartbreaking news on social media with a statement that read: “Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Björkefors outside Sunne this morning.”He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end.”Just days before his passing, a documentary titled ‘Sven’ premiered on streaming service Amazon Prime Video.The documentary focuses on Eriksson’s life and legacy – including his time as England boss.Read More in FootballBut the legendary manager also took the time to open up about his terminal cancer diagnosis.And in one heartbreaking clip, he revealed where he wanted his ashes spread.Sitting next to Lake Fryken in Sweden, he said: “Beautiful place. It makes you calm. It makes me calm.”Below the mountain there is where my father grew up. And if you look straight on that’s Torsby where I was growing up. And in Sunne I was born.Most read in Football”I always thought, great place to sleep. The ashes could be thrown into the water here. It feels like home.”Eriksson also shared his heartbreaking final message to fans in the documentary.Sven-Goran Eriksson dies aged 76 after astonishing career spanning decadesHe said: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well.”You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully, at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.”I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile.”Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.””Sven was a good coach… better than he seems, says SunSport experts”SunSport’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton discussed Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England legacy following his death aged 76.Custis: “He was the most polite, civil manager I’ve ever dealt with in my life.”Lipton: “There are many managers who are prone to paroxysms of aggravation and screaming matches.”You can’t imagine Sven ever raising his voice, let alone having a row with someone. He was a gentle man and a gentleman throughout his dealings with us certainly. And I think that always came across from the very outset.”He was clearly a quite calm, unflappable character and he wasn’t going to let anything perturb him no matter what it was. No matter what questions were thrown at him, no matter what stick he got. He had this veneer of utter tranquillity.”Custis: “There was a lot of mystery to him. You weren’t reading things about him every two minutes online as you would do now but he came in and he got off to a great start with that 3-0 win over Spain.”Lipton: “He just loved being around football, didn’t he that was the thing.”He didn’t want to give it up… He actually, genuinely loved being around football players, being a manager and all the trappings of that and just being important. Because he enjoyed being Sven-Goran Eriksson – football manager.”Lipton: “He brought back a belief in the England team in that period, he gave us a night we’ll never forget and oversaw the real change in the culture of English football in that it became more celebrity in many ways.”The players became bigger than they’d ever been and he managed to keep that under a degree of wraps… He was a better manager than I thought he was at the time.” More

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      Inside late Sven-Goran Eriksson’s tragic cancer battle after revealed he had terminal illness just months ago

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      AS Sven-Goran Eriksson bravely battled his tragic cancer battle he opened up about his struggles in heartbreaking confessions about family and treatment.The former England and Manchester City manager revealed his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in January and today sadly passed away aged 76.The former England and Manchester City manager revealed his diagnosis in JanuaryCredit: APSven-Goran Eriksson delivered a final goodbye message just months before his deathCredit: Amazon PrimeHe spoke about how scared he was but also told how he came to terms with cancerCredit: Amazon PrimeThe Swede’s family released a heartbreaking statement which read: “Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away.”After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.”The medicine… we don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m sort of scared. It takes a little bit of time before we can accept it. I’m still hereSven-Goran Eriksson Amazon documentary A heart-wrenching tribute from his children Lina and Johan Eriksson added: “Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Björkefors outside Sunne this morning. He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end.”They continued: “We hope that you will remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was both in public and at home with us.”Doctors initially gave Eriksson – who managed the Three Lions for five years and three tournaments – “about a year” to live.He received the crushing blow following tests after he woke up feeling dizzy.The former manager previously revealed: “I thought I was fully healthy but suddenly I had a small stroke so I fell and my children took me to the hospital. “After one day of examination they told me I had five small strokes, but said ‘no problem, you will recover 100 per cent from that’. Most read in Football”But worse is they said I have cancer which they can’t operate on.”They said they will give me treatment and medicine to try and live as long as possible. I have that diagnosis and they can’t operate, unfortunately.”Sven-Goran Eriksson filmed his heartbreaking final goodbye alone – and his emotional message left film crew in tearsIn the months before his death, the 76-year-old saw his life chronicled in a documentary for Amazon Prime Video.Sven gave a final message to former players, coaches and supporters after speaking openly about his affairs and life in the film. In a touching clip at the end of the documentary, Sven told viewers: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well.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 itSven-Goran Eriksson”You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile.In the film, Sven bravely opened up about his cancer battles and reveals his fearsCredit: Amazon PrimeLina and Johan Eriksson appeared in the documentary to speak about their dad’s devastating diagnosisCredit: Andrew TimmsSven and his kids reconnected while he spent most of his time in SwedenCredit: YouTube / Amazon Prime Video Sport”Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.”The film then pans back to Sven in his home, with the former England manager concluding his message with “bye”.Since learning of his diagnosis, Sven spent most of his time in Sweden at his family home in Sunne.He revealed one of his favourite spots, Fryken lake, could be his final resting place. It comes as…“I always thought it’s a great place to sleep,” he said.”The ashes could be thrown into the water here. It feels like home.”Meanwhile, one of Eriksson’s close friends released a heartbreaking update just days before his death. The dear pal spoke of how the 76-year-old had been too ill to go on his favourite lakeside walk in his final days. Sven-Goran Eriksson’s managerial careerFOLLOWING Sven-Goran Eriksson’s death from his battle with cancer, SunSport takes a look at his remarkable managerial career…PROMISING STARTIt began in Sweden in 1977 where he won the third division with Degerfors, before he joined Gothenburg and won two Swedish Cups and the Uefa Cup.He then took over at Benfica in 1982 and spent two seasons with the Portuguese giants where he won back-to-back league titles.INCREDIBLE ITALIAN SUCCESSStints followed in Italy with Roma and Fiorentina, but he returned to Benfica in 1989 and reached the European Cup final before losing to AC Milan.Eriksson claimed a third league title with Benfica the following year, leaving in 1992 for Sampdoria.He spent five seasons with the Serie A side, winning the Copa Italia in 1994.Eriksson then added another two Coppa Italias to his trophy cabinet with Lazio across a four-year spell.ENGLAND APPOINTMENTThen came the England job in 2001 where he spent five years at the helm of the national side.He reached the quarter-finals of World Cup 2002, losing 2-1 to eventual winners Brazil.England then suffered back-to-back eliminations at the hands of Portugal at Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006.PREMIER LEAGUE SPELLSAfter leaving the Three Lions following his third major tournament, he spent one season at Manchester City.Spells followed at Mexico, Ivory Coast and Leicester, before he moved to China where he coached three clubs across a four-year period.His last managerial stint came for the Philippines national team, a position he held from October 2018 to January 2019.MAJOR HONOURSPortugal League title x 3 (Benfica 82/83, 83/84, 90/91)Copa Italia x 4 (Roma 85/86, Sampdoria 93/94, Lazio 97/98, 99/00)Serie A title (Lazio 99/00)Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup (Lazio 98/99)Uefa Super Cup (Lazio 99)BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year (England 2001)Speaking to The Mirror, close friend Runebjer said: “I’ve seen Sven and how do I feel? I feel sad but I am happy to have known Sven and know that I can still see him. This is my reaction.”He is such a tremendous person.”Lake Fryken is beautiful. It is 90 kilometres long from south to north and it is a beautiful landscape. You can see that in the pictures. You can definitely fish in that lake too.”But sadly his condition does not allow Sven to do that any more. It is a hard time for him.”FAMILY BONDSDuring his gruelling battle with the disease, Eriksson opened up about how he healed his relationship with his children.When he was rushed to intensive care, his daughter Lina called her brother Johan to tell him: “Dad is in the emergency room. And he’s not in a good way.”The family went into “panic mode” when they discovered that Eriksson had suffered five strokes.Even doctors were left in tears when delivering the dire news.Son Johan, 45, who now works as a football agent and Lina, 37 both rallied behind him during his illness and appeared in the documentary.It’s only very recently that I’ve been able to reconnect with dad and to have a very different relationship with him than I had had as a teenagerLinda ErikssonAmazon documentaryIn the film, Eriksson was candid about his parenting choices during the breakdown of his marriage.He said: “When you get divorced, you feel bad – and I did. At that time I don’t think I was a great dad. But before that and after that I guess I was okay. “It’s good to see that the children found the right way and have a good life. I am proud of them. Extremely proud.”Lina also talked about reconnecting with her father and how difficult it was to see him struggle.She said: “He’s a very black-and-white person when it comes to how he’s feeling. Everything’s good, or it’s s**t.”Every time coming back to the house, I see the clear difference in deteriorating. That’s really, really hard to see.””I think it has taken time to process and I think he has come a long way now than initially”, Lina added.”It’s only very recently that I’ve been able to reconnect with dad and to have a very different relationship with him than I had had as a teenager.”You realise the value of life and that what you thought was important is really not that important.”Symptoms of pancreatic cancerPANCREATIC cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer grows and you do begin to show signs, these may come and go and be unspecific, making it hard to diagnose, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK. Common symptoms include: Indigestion – a painful, burning feeling in your chest with an unpleasant taste in your mouth Tummy or back pain – it may start as general discomfort or tenderness in the tummy area and spread to the back, which get worse lying down and feel better is you sit forward Diarrhoea and constipation – see a GP if you have runny poos for more than seven days, especially if you’ve lost weight as wellSteatorrhoea – pale, oily poo that’s bulky, smells horrible and floats, making it hard to flush Losing a lot of weight without meaning toJaundice – yellow skin and eyes, as well as dark pee, pale poo and itchy skin Speaking of the diagnosis himself, Eriksson said: “It was a shock. It’s one of those which will not go away.”But you can slow them down hopefully. I have no pain but I know it’s there. One day it will take you. Before that day, live instead of sitting down thinking about what and when it will happen.”I always feel bad to plan the future.”I take it as it comes. I know what I have and I know life will not last forever. Far away from that but I’m okay.”Eriksson bravely undertook treatment that helped slow down the progression of his cancer.”The medicine… we don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m sort of scared. It takes a little bit of time before we can accept it. I’m still here,” he said.Daughter Lina also spoke about her father’s previous fears of his treatment being stopped.”He really wants to continue with the treatment to try and stop the growth of the cancer as much as possible”, she said.”So for him, any kind of side effect or challenge or anything like that, he just tries to fight it because he’s so scared that they will stop the treatment for him.”In a touching and emotional moment, she added: “It’s hard to imagine life without him.”Sven will be rightly recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the gameCurrent FA chief executive Mark BullinghamMeanwhile, his partner of the last 15 years, Yaniseth del Carmen Bravo Mendoza, also stood by his side in the final days. “I’m trying to be calm for his sake because he’s making such a huge effort”, she said in the documentary. “We’ve been together fifteen years and I’m hoping that we’ll be together for many years to come. I’ll never lose this hope. I can’t.”Due to his health issues, Eriksson was sadly forced to step down as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad in February 2023.After bravely announcing his cancer diagnosis, he was granted his lifelong wish when he led out Liverpool Legends, as they played in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March.Revealing his illness in January, Eriksson told P1: “Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.”Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.”When asked about the prognosis, Eriksson said: “You can’t be absolutely sure. It is better not to think about it.”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.”Heartbreaking tribute in fullA statement from his children Lina and Johan Eriksson today read: “Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Björkefors outside Sunne this morning. He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end.”Our thoughts go out to Sven-Goran’s father Sven; girlfriend Yaniseth and her son Alcides; to his brother Lasse and wife Jumnong, as well as to all good friends and acquaintances in Sweden and around the world.”Dad told us at the beginning of this year about his serious illness and received an amazing response from friends and football fans around Europe. He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden.”They shared their love for football and for dad. It was unforgettable for both him and us. He expressed his appreciation and joy and stated that such beautiful words are usually only uttered when someone has died.”The children added: “We have shared his gratitude and got to experience the wonderful meetings between him, football and all his friends. We thank everyone for these positive memories and your support during his illness”We hope that you will remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was both in public and at home with us.”‘TRUE GENTLEMAN’ During Eriksson’s time at the helm, England’s “Golden Generation” went from 17th in the world rankings to fifth.Football Association patron Prince William today paid tribute to him as a “true gentleman of the game”.The England fans’ group Free Lions also paid a touching tribute on X: “RIP Sven. For the night in Munich, amongst everything else, thank you for the memories.”This is honouring England’s glory after their 5-1 victory over Germany in Munich in a World Cup qualifier in September 2001.Current FA chief executive Mark Bullingham added today: “This is a very sad day. He gave all England fans such special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven’s guidance.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sven will be rightly recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game.”On behalf of my colleagues at the FA, past and present, our thoughts are with his friends and family today. He will be much missed, and we will pay tribute to him when we play Finland at Wembley next month.””Sven was a good coach… better than he seems, says SunSport experts”SunSport’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton discussed Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England legacy following his death aged 76.Custis: “He was the most polite, civil manager I’ve ever dealt with in my life.”Lipton: “There are many managers who are prone to paroxysms of aggravation and screaming matches.”You can’t imagine Sven ever raising his voice, let alone having a row with someone. He was a gentle man and a gentleman throughout his dealings with us certainly. And I think that always came across from the very outset.”He was clearly a quite calm, unflappable character and he wasn’t going to let anything perturb him no matter what it was. No matter what questions were thrown at him, no matter what stick he got. He had this veneer of utter tranquillity.”Custis: “There was a lot of mystery to him. You weren’t reading things about him every two minutes online as you would do now but he came in and he got off to a great start with that 3-0 win over Spain.”Lipton: “He just loved being around football, didn’t he that was the thing.”He didn’t want to give it up… He actually, genuinely loved being around football players, being a manager and all the trappings of that and just being important. Because he enjoyed being Sven-Goran Eriksson – football manager.”Lipton: “He brought back a belief in the England team in that period, he gave us a night we’ll never forget and oversaw the real change in the culture of English football in that it became more celebrity in many ways.”The players became bigger than they’d ever been and he managed to keep that under a degree of wraps… He was a better manager than I thought he was at the time.”Eriksson’s partner of the last 15 years, Yaniseth del Carmen Bravo Mendoza, stood by his side in the final daysCredit: AlamyDuring Eriksson’s time at the helm, England’s ‘Golden Generation’ went from 17th in the world rankings to fifthCredit: ReutersHe has won 18 trophies in an incredible career that has spanned decadesCredit: Reuters More

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      Sven-Goran Eriksson dead: Ex-England manager passes away aged 76 after health battle

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      FORMER England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has tragically passed away aged 76 after revealing he had terminal pancreatic cancer.Eriksson spent five years as the Three Lions’ boss – taking England to the quarter-finals in two World Cups and a European Championship.Sven-Goran Eriksson has tragically died after battling pancreatic cancerCredit: GettyEriksson managed the England team from 2001 to 2006Credit: AP:Associated PressHe dated Nancy Dell’Olio and the pair were together for almost 10 yearsCredit: Thomas JohanssonSven Goran Eriksson shared a poignant goodbye message in a new documentary chronicling his lifeCredit: Amazon PrimeEriksson, who was in charge of the Three Lions’ Golden Generation, revealed in January he had “at best a year” to live after being diagnosed with cancer.The Swede’s family confirmed today he died in a heartbreaking statement.It read: “Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away.”After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.”Read more on footballHis devastated family have asked for their privacy to be respected so they can mourn in private.A statement from his children Lina and Johan Eriksson today read: “Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Björkefors outside Sunne this morning. He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end.”Our thoughts go out to Sven-Goran’s father Sven; girlfriend Yaniseth and her son Alcides; to his brother Lasse and wife Jumnong, as well as to all good friends and acquaintances in Sweden and around the world.”Dad told us at the beginning of this year about his serious illness and received an amazing response from friends and football fans around Europe. He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden.Most read in Football”They shared their love for football and for dad. It was unforgettable for both him and us. He expressed his appreciation and joy and stated that such beautiful words are usually only uttered when someone has died.”The children added: “We have shared his gratitude and got to experience the wonderful meetings between him, football and all his friends. We thank everyone for these positive memories and your support during his illness.Inside Sven Eriksson’s cancer battle and how he’s found his final resting place”We hope that you will remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was both in public and at home with us.”The Swede became the first foreign manager of the England men’s football team in 2001.He managed superstars such as Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Michael Owen.During his time with England Eriksson managed 67 matches, he won 40 and lost 10 – of his 67 games 40 were competitive.Eriksson left the England role after the 2006 World Cup and would later manage a host of clubs at domestic and international level.It comes as…Due to his health issues, he was sadly forced to step down as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad in February 2023.After announcing his cancer diagnosis, Eriksson was granted his lifelong wish when he led out Liverpool Legends, as they played in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March.Revealing his illness in January, Eriksson told P1: “Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.”Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.”When asked about the prognosis, Eriksson said he has “maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer”.He added: “You can’t be absolutely sure. It is better not to think about it.”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.”The 76-year-old has now seen his life chronicled in a documentary for Amazon Prime Video where he gave a touching farewell.Sven gave a poignant final message to former players, coaches and supporters after speaking openly about his affairs and life in the film. In a touching clip at the end of the documentary, Sven told viewers: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well.”You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile.”Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.”The film then pans back to Sven in his home, with the former England manager concluding his message with “bye”.During Eriksson’s time at the helm, England’s “Golden Generation” went from 17th in the world rankings to fifth.Football Association patron Prince William today paid tribute to him as a “true gentleman of the game”.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s managerial careerFOLLOWING Sven-Goran Eriksson’s death from his battle with cancer, SunSport takes a look at his remarkable managerial career…PROMISING STARTIt began in Sweden in 1977 where he won the third division with Degerfors, before he joined Gothenburg and won two Swedish Cups and the Uefa Cup.He then took over at Benfica in 1982 and spent two seasons with the Portuguese giants where he won back-to-back league titles.INCREDIBLE ITALIAN SUCCESSStints followed in Italy with Roma and Fiorentina, but he returned to Benfica in 1989 and reached the European Cup final before losing to AC Milan.Eriksson claimed a third league title with Benfica the following year, leaving in 1992 for Sampdoria.He spent five seasons with the Serie A side, winning the Copa Italia in 1994.Eriksson then added another two Coppa Italias to his trophy cabinet with Lazio across a four-year spell.ENGLAND APPOINTMENTThen came the England job in 2001 where he spent five years at the helm of the national side.He reached the quarter-finals of World Cup 2002, losing 2-1 to eventual winners Brazil.England then suffered back-to-back eliminations at the hands of Portugal at Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006.PREMIER LEAGUE SPELLSAfter leaving the Three Lions following his third major tournament, he spent one season at Manchester City.Spells followed at Mexico, Ivory Coast and Leicester, before he moved to China where he coached three clubs across a four-year period.His last managerial stint came for the Philippines national team, a position he held from October 2018 to January 2019.MAJOR HONOURSPortugal League title x 3 (Benfica 82/83, 83/84, 90/91)Copa Italia x 4 (Roma 85/86, Sampdoria 93/94, Lazio 97/98, 99/00)Serie A title (Lazio 99/00)Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup (Lazio 98/99)Uefa Super Cup (Lazio 99)BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year (England 2001)The England fans’ group Free Lions also paid a touching tribute on X: “RIP Sven. For the night in Munich, amongst everything else, thank you for the memories.”This is honouring England’s glory after their 5-1 victory over Germany in Munich in a World Cup qualifier in September 2001.Current FA chief executive Mark Bullingham added today: “This is a very sad day. He gave all England fans such special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven’s guidance.”Sven will be rightly recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game.”On behalf of my colleagues at the FA, past and present, our thoughts are with his friends and family today. He will be much missed, and we will pay tribute to him when we play Finland at Wembley next month.”Despite coaching the likes of Beckham, Gerrard, Rooney and Lampard, Eriksson never saw a major title for the Three Lions.The team was pinned to bring football home but heartbreakingly crashed out of Germany at the 2006 World Cup in the quarter finals.Eriksson later said his biggest regret was deciding against bringing in a mental coach to work with the players after a penalty shootout stumped England’s chances of glory.Eriksson is pictured in January 2024 after revealing his diagnosisCredit: Filip BohmIn his time as manager Eriksson, pictured in 2002, took England from 17th in the world rankings to fifthCredit: AP:Associated PressIt was widely believed his golden generation team could win the 2006 World Cup but they tragically crashed out on penaltiesCredit: GettyThe manager pictured with Three Lions hero David BeckhamCredit: ReutersSven also coached Wayne Rooney as the Three Lions legend made a name for himselfCredit: PAAfter stepping down that year, he and went on to manage Manchester City for a year before trying for international glory again at Mexico and Ivory Coast.Following a spell at Leicester City, the Swede spent four years working in the emerging Chinese Super League.Eriksson’s final job as Philippines’ national boss ended 2019 – bringing an end to an illustrious managerial career.Born in Sweden on February 5, 1948, Erkisson also had a modest playing career in the lower echelons of local football. The young sportsman played most of his career as a right-back for Division 4 outfit Torsby.LIFE OUTSIDE FOOTBALLThen, after hanging up his boots at the age of 27, he became the assistant of his long-time collaborator Tord Grip at Degerfors, becoming manager in 1977.It was that same year that Eriksson married his first wife, Ann-Christine Pettersson, who he has two children with. The pair spilt in 1994, an in the years that followed, he went on to coach Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Lazio.Away from the pitch, Eriksson’s love life was put under the spotlight when he met Italian lawyer and TV star Nancy Del’Ollio.Their romance suffered controversy when it emerged that he had a four-month romance with fellow Swedish celebrity Ulrika Jonsson in 2002.Two years later Eriksson strayed again, having an affair with Football Association secretary Faria Alam which prompted a FA scandal.Dell’Olio stayed with the manager, but left him in 2007. In an interview in 2018, Eriksson said the high-profile of his love life took its toll.”Sven was a good coach… better than he seems, says SunSport experts”SunSport’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton discussed Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England legacy following his death aged 76.Custis: “He was the most polite, civil manager I’ve ever dealt with in my life.”Lipton: “There are many managers who are prone to paroxysms of aggravation and screaming matches.”You can’t imagine Sven ever raising his voice, let alone having a row with someone. He was a gentle man and a gentleman throughout his dealings with us certainly. And I think that always came across from the very outset.”He was clearly a quite calm, unflappable character and he wasn’t going to let anything perturb him no matter what it was. No matter what questions were thrown at him, no matter what stick he got. He had this veneer of utter tranquillity.”Custis: “There was a lot of mystery to him. You weren’t reading things about him every two minutes online as you would do now but he came in and he got off to a great start with that 3-0 win over Spain.”Lipton: “He just loved being around football, didn’t he that was the thing.”He didn’t want to give it up… He actually, genuinely loved being around football players, being a manager and all the trappings of that and just being important. Because he enjoyed being Sven-Goran Eriksson – football manager.”Lipton: “He brought back a belief in the England team in that period, he gave us a night we’ll never forget and oversaw the real change in the culture of English football in that it became more celebrity in many ways.”The players became bigger than they’d ever been and he managed to keep that under a degree of wraps… He was a better manager than I thought he was at the time.”He said: “I thought I was prepared for England but I was not prepared for things outside football, my private life.”I am not very proud that fans could probably name three of my former girlfriends.”I don’t think it damaged my football results. But my image outside football it damaged, yes.”In his heartbreaking Amazon Prime documentary, the football legend hold how his relationship with his children had improved amid his diagnosis. He said: “When you get divorced, you feel bad – and I did. At that time I don’t think I was a great dad. But before that and after that I guess I was okay. “It’s good to see that the children found the right way and have a good life. I am proud of them. Extremely proud.”Lina also talked about reconnecting with her father and how difficult it was to see him go through cancer.She said: “He’s a very black-and-white person when it comes to how he’s feeling. Everything’s good, or it’s s**t.”Every time coming back to the house, I see the clear difference in deteriorating. That’s really, really hard to see.””I think it has taken time to process and I think he has come a long way now than initially”, Lina added.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s only very recently that I’ve been able to reconnect with dad and to have a very different relationship with him than I had had as a teenager. “You realise the value of life and that what you thought was important is really not that important.”Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson applauds the crowd after an exhibition match between Liverpool Legends and Ajax Legends at AnfieldCredit: APEriksson managed the likes of Steven GerrardThe manager was just as famous for his off-pitch actions More

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      How Sven Goran Eriksson’s tragic cancer battle helped him heal relationship with kids…as he admits he’s ‘scared to die’

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      WITH a legendary career as a football manager and famously colourful love life behind him, Sven Goran Eriksson was looking forward to a long and settled retirement.But England’s first foreign coach was left reeling when he was been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer – after waking up and feeling dizzy.In a new documentary, Sven gave football players, coaches and fans one final goodbyeCredit: PAThroughout his illustrious career, he has won the admiration of his peers and football criticsCredit: GettyIn the film, he talks about how he had a good life and where his final resting place could beCredit: Amazon PrimeHe made history when he became England’s first-ever foreign managerCredit: PA:Press AssociationAs he was rushed to intensive care, his daughter Lina called her brother Johan to tell him: “Dad is in the emergency room. And he’s not in a good way.”The family went into “panic mode” when they discovered that Sven had suffered five strokes. His situation was so dire that it left doctors in tears when delivering the news. In January, he stunned the world by revealing that he had “about a year to live”.And in a new heart-wrenching Amazon Prime documentary, set to premiere today, Sven opens up about his incredible life and career and coming to terms with having months to live.READ MORE FEATURES Reflecting on receiving the agonising diagnosis from his home in Sunne, Sweden, Sven says: “It was a shock. It’s one of those which will not go away. “But you can slow them down hopefully. I have no pain but I know it’s there. One day it will take you. Before that day, live instead of sitting down thinking about what and when it will happen.”Now, Sven is determined to take life one day at a time and tries not to think too much about what lies ahead. “I always feel bad to plan the future”, he says.”Most read in Football”I take it as it comes. I know what I have and I know life will not last forever. Far away from that but I’m okay.”Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, 75, reveals he has cancer and has ‘at best a year to live’In the film, Sven bravely opens up about his cancer battles and reveals his fearsCredit: Amazon PrimeHe talks about how scared he is but also reveals how he has come to terms with cancerCredit: Amazon PrimeIn the film, Sven revealed that he was still undergoing treatment that will help slow down the progress of the cancer. He solemnly says: “The medicine… we don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m sort of scared. It takes a little bit of time before we can accept it. I’m still here.”According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 9,600 pancreatic cancer deaths every year, which comes to 26 deaths a day.Researchers also say only five per cent of people diagnosed with the disease survive for ten years or more. Confronted with the horrific reality that the disease will eventually take his life, Sven explains how he has been able to process the harrowing situation. He says: “I had a good life, yes. I think we are all scared of the day it will finish – when you die. But life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is.”The manager, who has won 18 cups also says: “I had a good life, maybe too good, you have to pay for it.”His positive outlook has been evident ever since he was diagnosed with the disease.In an emotional interview with Channel 4 in March, he said: “You appreciate waking up in the morning and feeling well and normally you don’t do that. “You take it for granted. In the beginning, when you get the diagnosis coming from nowhere, it’s like a shock, but after a while, you learn to live with it.”I had a good life, yes. I think we are all scared of the day it will finish – when you die. But life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is.”Sven Goran ErikssonOne of the documentary’s most gut-wrenching moments is when Sven offers his last goodbye and thanks players, coaches, and fans.He says: “Today I have a normal life and I am not thinking about what’s going to happen tomorrow or the day after. Otherwise, you sit, do not, and think pity of yourself. No. Leave it. “I don’t talk about it very much. It is what it is. I can’t beat it, probably. Anyhow, life is beautiful.”Hopefully at the end people will say he was a good man but everyone will not say that. I hope you will remember me as [a] positive, getting to do everything he could.”Don’t be sorry. Smile. Thank you for everything. Coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life and live it. Bye.”Sven has even identified Fryken Lake, near his Swedish home, as a possible final resting place.Explaining his decision, he says: “I always thought it’s a great place to sleep,” he said. “The ashes could be thrown into the water here. It feels like home.”Reconnection with childrenLina with her dad and his partner YanisethCredit: RexLina and Johan Eriksson appear in the documentary to speak about their dad’s devastating diagnosisCredit: Andrew TimmsSven and his kids have now reconnected after his cancer diagnosisCredit: YouTube / Amazon Prime Video SportSven with his ex-wife and son Johan in 1988Credit: AlamyBefore Sven’s highly publicised relationship with Nancy Dell’Olio and his affairs with Ulrika Jonsson and Farria Alam, he was married to Ann-Christine Pettersson. The pair were married between 1977 and 1994. According to him, the relationship ended because he cheated on her with Graziella Mancinelli. They had two children together – son Johan, 45, who now works as a football agent and Lina, 37. They have both rallied behind him during his difficult times and appear in the documentary. But it wasn’t always a smooth ride for the family. In the film, Sven opens up about questioning his parenting during the breakdown of his marriage. He says: “When you get divorced, you feel bad – and I did. At that time I don’t think I was a great dad. But before that and after that I guess I was okay. “It’s good to see that the children found the right way and have a good life. I am proud of them. Extremely proud.”Lina also talks about reconnecting with her father and how difficult it has been to see him go through cancer. She says: “He’s a very black-and-white person when it comes to how he’s feeling. Everything’s good, or it’s s**t. “Every time coming back to the house, I see the clear difference in deteriorating. That’s really, really hard to see.””I think it has taken time to process and I think he has come a long way now than initially”, Lina adds. “It’s only very recently that I’ve been able to reconnect with dad and to have a very different relationship with him than I had had as a teenager. “You realise the value of life and that what you thought was important is really not that important.”He’s a very black-and-white person when it comes to how he’s feeling. Everything’s good, or it’s s**t. Every time coming back to the house, I see the clear difference in deteriorating. That’s really, really hard to see.”Lina ErikssonLina also spoke about her father’s fears of his treatment being stopped if he shows signs of the side effects he’s suffering. “He really wants to continue with the treatment to try and stop the growth of the cancer as much as possible”, she says. “So for him, any kind of side effect or challenge or anything like that, he just tries to fight it because he’s so scared that they will stop the treatment for him.”In a touching and emotional moment, she adds: “It’s hard to imagine life without him.”Partner’s ‘hope’Sven has been with his partner Yaniseth for the past 16 yearsCredit: RexIn his autobiography, Sven revealed how they met on a night out in Mexico CityCredit: AlamyThe happy couple with friends and family, including Yaniseth’s sonCredit: AlamyFollowing his divorce Sven has a nine-year relationship with lawyer and Strictly star Nancy Dell-Olio and well documented affairs with Ulrika Jonsson and FA secretary Faria Allam, who appears in the documentary.Talking candidly in the documentary, he says “sex is one of the good things in life for all of us” and Nancy, 62, reveals how much she loved being “the first lady of football.”But for the last 15 years, Sven has been in a relationship with Yaniseth del Carmen Bravo Mendoza, a former exotic dancer he met in a nightclub in Mexico City.Yaniseth mainly speaks Spanish. Thankfully, Sven is bilingual and had no problem communicating with her when they first met.In his autobiography he revealed that she approached him and “said her name was Yaniseth and that she worked as a dancer a a restaurant and nightclub not far away.”She invited me to come and watch her when she danced.”Sven’s ex Nancy appears in the documentaryCredit: Amazon PrimeThe pair had a stormy nine year romanceCredit: GettySymptoms of pancreatic cancerPANCREATIC cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms in its early stages.As the cancer grows and you do begin to show signs, these may come and go and be unspecific, making it hard to diagnose, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK.Common symptoms include:Indigestion – a painful, burning feeling in your chest with an unpleasant taste in your mouthTummy or back pain – it may start as general discomfort or tenderness in the tummy area and spread to the back, which get worse lying down and feel better is you sit forwardDiarrhoea and constipation – see a GP if you have runny poos for more than seven days, especially if you’ve lost weight as wellSteatorrhoea – pale, oily poo that’s bulky, smells horrible and floats, making it hard to flushLosing a lot of weight without meaning toJaundice – yellow skin and eyes, as well as dark pee, pale poo and itchy skin After chatting and swapping numbers, he invited her to dinner in his apartment the next day.The following year, Yaniseth, who had a five-year-old son then, visited Sweden for the first time and spent Christmas with him and his children.Friends describe his devotion to the 54-year-old as “second to none” and say his two children are “fond of her”.In the film, she tearfully speaks about how hopeful she is that Sven can still beat the disease. “I’m trying to be calm for his sake because he’s making such a huge effort”, she says. “We’ve been together fifteen years and I’m hoping that we’ll be together for many years to come. I’ll never lose this hope. I can’t.”Yaniseth has been a source of support for Sven and continues to stand by his side in his last days. We’ve been together fifteen years and I’m hoping that we’ll be together for many years to come. I’ll never lose this hope. I can’t.Yaniseth del Carmen Bravo MendozaEarlier this year, she was pictured next to him at a Swedish sports awards ceremony as he received a standing ovation from the audience.Afterwards, she gave a brief interview to Swedish media and gushed about her man. She said: “It feels good to be by Sven’s side. There are so many people who come forward and say nice things. Now I understand how big he is.”Sven appears to share Yaniseth’s hope. In January, he spoke about his determination to “fight as long as I can”. Wooed by yoga talkFARIA Alam has revealed that she fell for Sven-Goran Eriksson because he had charmed her by talking about art, poetry and yoga.She had a fling with the Swede after joining the FA as a secretary in 2003.Speaking about it in the Amazon Prime documentary Sven, Faria, now 58, said: “He didn’t have the mindset of a super-rich man. He talked to me about poetry, he talked to me about art.“He was saying how he did yoga and things like that.“And I just fell in love with him, I guess. And that lit the fuse for all this to explode.” But the lovers were found out. At first, the FA denied it but emails not only proved it but confirmed that she also had a relationship with the FA chief Mark Palios.Sven, 76, says: “I felt very sorry for her. She lost the job and two members of the FA lost the job.”Faria signed two deals to sell her story for £300,000 after she had resigned — on the advice of Sven.But she was hurt by being portrayed as a “disgusting gold digger person”. She says on the show: “I’m the person that’s the bad person, and I was the scapegoat for them to be relieved of any responsibility.”Incredible careerSven has had the life and career most football coaches can only dream ofCredit: GettySven has had a successful career as a manager with 18 trophies to his nameCredit: RexSven is one of the most respected coaches in all of the sport and has won the admiration of players such as David Beckham and Wayne Rooney. His management career began in Sweden, but his rise to prominence came when he found success with Benfica in Portugal.He then moved to Italy, where he managed multiple clubs. But his biggest success there came when he led Lazio to win several trophies. In 2001, he made history by becoming England’s first-ever foreign coach. He took the team to three major tournaments – the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004, and the World Cup in 2006. He reached the quarterfinals in all three competitions. The penalties defeat at the hands of Portugal in the 2006 World Cup was his last game with England. Since then, he has managed other teams, including Premier League side Manchester City and the Mexican and Ivory Coast national teams. In his documentary, David Beckham said: “I loved him from day one. He made me captain. The confidence he had in me was so important.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The way he protected the players, the way he treated the players, it was a breath of fresh air.” SVEN is on Prime Video in the UK, Ireland and Nordics on August 23.Players such as David Beckham have sang the praises of Sven-Goran ErikssonCredit: ReutersHe has won 18 trophies in an incredible career that has spanned decadesCredit: Reuters More

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      Who are Sven-Goran Eriksson’s children Johan and Lina?

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      SVEN-GORAN Eriksson’s children have been by his side as he battles cancer.The terminally-ill former England manager revealed in January 2024 that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.Meet Sven-Goran Eriksson’s children, Lina and JohanCredit: 2024 Getty ImagesTheir father is battling terminal cancerCredit: YouTube / Amazon Prime Video SportWho does Sven-Goran Eriksson share children with?Before having his high profile romance with Nancy Dell’Olio, Sven-Goran Eriksson’s was married to Ann-Christine Pettersson.The former couple got hitched in 1977, before divorcing in 1994 when he admitted to having an affair with Graziella Mancinelli.Since her marriage to the former football manager came to an end, Ann-Christine has kept herself out of the public spotlightEriksson went on to date Graziella until 1998, before calling it off.READ MORE IN Sven-GoranSpeaking to the MailOnline, he said: “When I got the job managing Lazio, she’d wanted to move to Rome with me. But I think I’d tired of Graziella by then.”Who is Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan?During his relationship with Anne-Christine, Eriksson welcomed two children.His eldest child is his son Johan, who was born in 1979.Johan played football before taking up coaching.Most read in FootballHe had a short-lived position on the coaching staff at Nigerian football club Kwara United from 2006-2007.He now works as a football agent.Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, 75, reveals he has cancer and has ‘at best a year to live’After his father’s cancer diagnosis both Johan and his sister, Lina, have been staying with Sven at his home.The former England boss revealed in January 2024 he had 12 months left to live after medical staff were unable to operate.His cancer was found after the Swede suffered five consecutive strokes.A new Amazon Prime Video documentary called Sven documents his life and the impact his diagnosis has had on family members.In one heartbreaking scene, son Johan revealed the moment they were told about Eriksson’s health condition.Johan said: “I had 10 missed calls from my sister, ‘Dad’s in the emergency room’.“He’s not in a good way. You can kind of tell when the doctor’s in tears that… not good. Worst possible news.”Erkisson seen with Johan and Lina as childrenCredit: AlamyWho is Sven-Goran Eriksson’s daughter Lina?Lina was born eight years after big brother Johan, in 1987.She has also rallied behind her dad as he deals with his illness.In the Amazon doc she talks about how she dealt with finding out her father had incurable pancreatic cancer.Lina said: “We found out that he had had five strokes and then you go into a state of fear. A panic mode.”I’m sort of scared. It takes time, a little bit of time before you can accept it. I’m still hereSven-Goran ErikssonEriksson added: “One day, I woke up and I felt dizzy. Yeah, it’s cancer I have and that’s it. “The medicine, we don’t know what’s going to happen. “I’m sort of scared. It takes time, a little bit of time before you can accept it. I’m still here.”Lina’s father took charge of 67 England matches between January 2001 and July 2006, winning 40 games.He also had successful club spells with Benfica, Roma and Lazio.And he managed twice in England with Manchester City and Leicester.Sven on his cancer diagnosisSpeaking in January 2024, Sven revealed more about his cancer diagnosis.He said: “I thought I was fully healthy but suddenly I had a small stroke so I fell and my children took me to the hospital. “After one day of examination they told me I had five small strokes, but said, ‘No problem, you will recover 100% from that’, but worse is they said I have cancer which they can’t operate on.”They said they will give me treatment and medicine to try and live as long as possible. I have that diagnosis and they can’t operate, unfortunately.”Speaking in January 2024, Sven revealed more about his diagnosis.He said: “I thought I was fully healthy but suddenly I had a small stroke so I fell and my children took me to the hospital. READ MORE SUN STORIES“After one day of examination they told me I had five small strokes, but said, ‘No problem, you will recover 100% from that’, but worse is they said I have cancer which they can’t operate on.”They said they will give me treatment and medicine to try and live as long as possible. I have that diagnosis and they can’t operate, unfortunately.” More

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      Terminally-ill Sven-Goran Eriksson says ‘we are scared of the day we die – I had a good life’ in tragic goodbye message

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      TERMINALLY-ILL Sven-Goran Eriksson said he “had a good life” as he shared a tragic goodbye message in a new documentary.The former England and Manchester City manager bravely revealed in January that he’s been battling pancreatic cancer.Sven Goran Eriksson shared a poignant goodbye message in a new documentaryCredit: Amazon PrimeThe former England manager, pictured with Wayne Rooney, admitted he doesn’t know how much longer he has leftCredit: PASven-Goran Eriksson with his ex-lover Italian lawyer Nancy Dell’OllioCredit: Rex FeaturesDoctors initially gave the Swede – who managed the Three Lions for five years and three tournaments – “about a year” to live.The 76-year-old has now seen his life chronicled in a documentary for Amazon Prime Video which will be released on August 23.Sven gave a final message to former players, coaches and supporters after speaking openly about his affairs and life in the film. In a touching clip at the end of the documentary, Sven told viewers: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well. Read More in Football”You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile. “Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.”The film then pans back to Sven in his home, with the former England manager concluding his message with “bye”.Most read in FootballKey images from his career were shown during his final message, along with a clip of him fulfilling his dream of managing Liverpool, taking charge of the Reds for a legends game against Ajax in March.Since falling ill, Sven has spent almost all his time at his Swedish home in Sunne, and has reconnected with his family.Speaking on a visit to Fryken lake, near Sunne, Sven admitted it could be his final resting place.Sven-Goran Eriksson close to tears as he’s given incredibly emotional tribute by former club amid cancer battlePointing at the lake, he said: “I always thought it’s a great place to sleep. “The ashes could be thrown into the water here. It feels like home.” The film shows simple, happy days spent reading, playing cards and enjoying meals with son Johan, daughter Lina and his partner of 15 years, Yaniseth Bravo.Sven bossed England from 2001 to 2006 but never took the Three Lions past the quarter-finals of a tournament.He was criticised for failing to get the best out of the “Golden Generation”, with England also exiting Euro 2004 at the last eight stage.In his first major tournament, the 2002 World Cup in Japan, Sven’s England lost 2-1 in the quarter-final to ten-man Brazil, the eventual winners.Then came the double exits to Portugal, and Sven left the role after the 2006 World Cup.As well as discussing how he feels facing death, England’s first foreign manager also talked candidly about the women in his life.The celebrated football coach had a conservative approach on the pitch but a series of steamy affairs with much younger women off it.Sven has spent most of his time back in his homeland SwedenCredit: Amazon PrimeHe was the first foreign manager to coach EnglandCredit: ReutersDavid Beckham featured in the documentaryCredit: Amazon PrimeEngland and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney also spoke about SvenCredit: Amazon PrimeIn the Amazon Prime Show, he spoke about how he cheated on his long-time partner Nancy Dell’Ollio with Ulrika Jonsson and FA secretary Faria Alam.But Sven told the programme that he did not commit any crimes and that “sex is one of the good things in life for all of us”.In the documentary, Sven also admits that life could be interesting with fiery Nancy.He said: “She loved it. The tension. She was a lady from the upper classes in Rome. She liked to go out with important people.“In the beginning I didn’t react very much. But you don’t change people at a certain age. It was not peace in my house always.”And Faria, now 58, reveals how the then-England manager told her to cash in on their 2004 affair.She says: “The Noughties were just that, they were naughty.“You could do so many things. I’ll be honest, I was a beautiful girl and I attracted a lot of attention.“He said, ‘Tell your story, go and tell them everything. Make some money, why not?’.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the documentary, which streams this week, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney also pay tribute to their former boss. Becks says: “I loved him from day one. He made me captain. The confidence he had in me was so important.“The way he protected the players, the way he treated the players, it was a breath of fresh air.”Sven had a fling with Swede Ulrika Jonsson while he was with NancyCredit: gettyHe also cheated on long-time partner Nancy with FA secretary Faria Alam, aboveCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdUlrika JohnsonWHEN I look at Sven-Goran Eriksson now, I see a much diminished man. A man reduced by terminal illness, but also a man who, by his own admission, has had a good life.As The Sun told yesterday, he talks about his private life on his Amazon Prime film Sven, including his affair with me.We first met in 2002, when I asked him for his autograph at a party held by Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s spin doctor.He replied to me in our native language, Swedish, asking for my telephone number so he could call me. I was single at the time and 34. He was 54 and confided that he wanted to end his relationship with Nancy Dell’Olio because it was sapping him of energy.He then proceeded to call me every day when he went on holiday with Nancy, telling me I was beautiful and how much he wanted to see me.When he returned, the day after his 54th birthday, he visited me and we slept together.This was no great passionate affair. It was devoid of passion. He had all this power and money, yet he was the weakest man I have ever met.During our dalliance he was heading to his place in Portugal for the night between England games and asked me to join him.He said I should book myself on his flight and he would reimburse me. I said no way, I pay my own way — I’ve never taken money from a man.It was a point of principle.We met in the Club Lounge at Heathrow, pretending we had just met, and sat next to each other on the flight, almost giggling all the way.Then we spent the night at his place, where his housekeepers cooked us a meal.The following morning we left for the airport together and, in the car, he put a blank cheque from Coutts in my pocket when I wasn’t looking.I keep it for posterity. But it might have been nice to fill it out at some point for all the hassle he brought me!When news of our affair broke, he didn’t confirm what went on between us. This meant I was left high and dry, even to the point that people believed I had made it up to get Press attention.That really angered me.I was an independent, working woman who did not voluntarily need to create a drama around my life for attention.He says in his documentary that he didn’t commit a crime, and he’s right about that.But he did do wrong.And he simply didn’t really care about much of life.As far as I could tell, he cared only about three things: His two children, who he adored. And football.Even when we were in Portugal, I asked him about his ex, the mother of his children.He said he had moved the wedding day in fav- our of a football match and she wasn’t happy.And I wondered if he was romantic and asked him how he proposed.I was surprised when he confided that she had proposed to him, which confirmed to me that I don’t think he had a romantic bone in his body. I know people didn’t understand why we were seeing each other, as it was an odd connection.Initially it was the Swedish thing that united us — and football.We talked about football a lot. But he was chivalrous and, in his heart, he was a kind man.He brought a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne — without fail — every time he came to my house.For me, he showed me kindness and I’d just been going through the most horrendous time with being abandoned by my sick daughter’s biological father and worrying if she was going to get through her operations.When someone shows you kindness, it grabs your attention. In the film, he says he does have feelings, but he doesn’t show them. I think that’s honest and true. We never exchanged words of affection — it wasn’t that kind of set-up.I just saw him when he could get away from Nancy or was on the way to football games.Nancy admits in the film that she only stuck with him because she could get something out of it, which strongly suggests that she only really was with him because of the fame and the glory.She should be grateful for me raising her profile. She seemingly made a career out of “refusing to accept that she had been cheated on”.Before news of the affair between me and Sven broke, she was just the Italian girlfriend of the England manager. When it hit the headlines Nancy was suddenly famous. And she used that to her advantage. She’d have never been on Strictly Come Dancing if it wasn’t for me.Sven told me she was very fiery — it was a volatile relationship and I felt it was clear that he didn’t really, truly care about her.But he never promised me he would leave her, because I never asked him to.I sensed he feared her. And he confirms that in the film.He says he was afraid (of leaving her). He admitted to me that she “loved” the attention she was getting from the media, so it’s little wonder if she didn’t want to give that up.And obviously, apart from women attacking each other, there is the problem that misogyny is still verymuch alive and kicking in the world of football. Women continue to be viewed as pawns in a game of utmost importance, ruled over by men who show little but disdain for the opposite sex.I’ve never in my life fought over a man. I know Nancy was clinging to Sven, but she really needn’t have worried.She threw insults at me because she didn’t believe the brief affair was true. Surely her beef should have been with him?In the film, Sven’s son says how his dad doesn’t stress about things, and that was my experience, too.He never got concerned about things and said to me, “Why worry about something which might not happen?”.He’s bright and studied philosophy, which is probably what brought a new and different approach to being England boss.Many didn’t like that he wasn’t demonstrably expressive, but that was just the way he was.Nancy says in the film that Sven is a narcissist, but I think that might be unfair. I just think he’s a very simple-minded person. And by that I mean he only puts energy into the things that are important to him. He’s pragmatic. Not a practical man, however.He proudly showed me his hands and said “these have never done a day’s hard work”.Sven is certainly a thinker, perhaps more than a doer.I extracted myself from the situation when he clearly wasn’t going to ’fess up and carried on going out publicly with Nancy.I certainly didn’t become a Princess Di character, where there were “three of us” in that relationship.For a while he kept phoning me to speak to me or ask me to see him. He even got his agent to phone my agent to ask if I would wait for him after the World Cup. I declined.Sven is right, of course, about his outlook on life now.Life is short and I believe he has certainly made the most of it.He has led a life according to his own wills and desires.I’m sure he has regrets over some of his actions, but what good are regrets when the clock is ticking?We can but do our best.I bear him no ill will.I hope he squeezes the best out of whatever life he has left and that, on reflection, he realises that to err is to be human.He didn’t get it all right. But then, who does? More

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      Heartbroken Alan Shearer reveals death of his dad and says MOTD will be ‘tough’ after theme tune was played at funeral

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      NEWCASTLE legend Alan Shearer has opened up about the death of his dad for the first time.The 54-year-old’s father, also named Alan, passed away earlier this year following a battle with cancer.Alan Shearer has opened up about the death of his dadCredit: GettyHe admits it will be ‘tough’ returning to work on Match of the DayCredit: BBCShearer with wife LainyaCredit: GettyHe had been diagnosed in February having already fought and beat the cruel disease at the age of 65.It spread to his lungs and brain, leaving him with just months to live.Shearer has now opened up about the tragic death of his dad for the first time as he gets set to return to work on Match of the Day.In a column for The Athletic, he wrote: “He told us exactly what he wanted and he told us that when the time came, he wanted to be at home. And he was. We were all there with him and it was very peaceful. The pain had gone.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”On the way, there were light and dark moments. We knew what was coming and one day when I was trying to switch off for a couple of hours, I got a call from my mam, ‘Dad wants you and Karen home now. He’s ready to go.'”In the end, he lasted for another 27 or 28 hours, but on that final evening, he talked through his life, the people he had fights with and didn’t like and plans for his own funeral. He was laughing and reminiscing. The clarity was amazing.”Shearer, who is married to wife Lainya and has three children – Hollie, Chloe and Will, also revealed that his dad wanted the Match of the Day theme tune played at his funeral.The ex-striker recalled: “Along with Will, my son, I’d carried his coffin into the crematorium — the hardest thing I’ve ever done — as the Match of the Day theme blared out, jaunty and loud.Most read in Premier League”The music was his decision too, although he pinched that idea from my mam, telling us shortly before he died that this was what he wanted.”Mixed emotions on MOTD returnShearer continued his broadcasting duties following the death of his dad, although he admits he “glided” through “with the blinkers on”.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonHe now has mixed emotions about returning to work for the new Premier League season, which kicks off tonight.The Newcastle icon continued: “I got to the end of last season with the blinkers on. I appeared on Match of the Day a couple of times and glided through it, just as I did for my punditry work at the European Championship, but the here and now feels different.”I’ll be in the BBC studios in Salford this weekend and I honestly can’t tell you how it will feel when that famous tune starts up, but I do know it will be tough — very tough.”This won’t come as a total surprise to most of you, but like my dad, I’m not emotional by nature, yet at 54 years old I’m heading into my first season without him beside me, without him just there. It’s a void that can’t be filled and it still feels very raw.”Shearer will be working with a new look team on Match of the Day, with long-time fellow pundit Ian Wright having quit the show.Alan Shearer with his family (left-right) Hollie, Lainya, Will and Chloe after he was presented with a CBE in 2016Credit: GettyShearer’s family including wife Lainya and kids Hollie, Will and ChloeCredit: willshearer9/InstagramShearer will be back on Match of the Day this weekendCredit: BBC More