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    Sol Bamba’s wife releases heartbreaking statement saying he ‘left earth knowing he was loved’ as ex-Prem star, 39, dies

    SOL BAMBA’S wife Chloe has released a heartbreaking statement after he tragically lost his battle with cancer.The father-of-three’s death aged 39 was confirmed yesterday after he was taken ill while working for Turkish side Adanaspor on Friday.Sol Bamba’s wife Chloe has payed tribute to the gentle giantChloe and Sol have three children togetherCredit: Instagram @cebambaSol Bamba returned to the field after being diagnosed with cancerCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoThe defender is an icon in the Welsh capital after he time with CardiffCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoBamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff but managed to return to the field for the Bluebirds after being declared cancer-free following chemotherapy.He had three children – Roonea, Lily and Amy – with wife Chloe, who paid tribute to the popular former defender.She wrote: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.”Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it. “I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best. “Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. Most read in Football”What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”Bamba became ill before a game against Manisa BBSK and later died in hospital.A statement from Adanaspor posted on Saturday night read: “Our Technical Director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the Manisa Football Club match played yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there. Our condolences to his family and our community.”Bamba’s health battlesSol Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020 before undergoing four months of chemo.He told Mail Sport in 2022: “After the first chemo I was down for four days.”I could not get out of bed. I lost weight. After that, I told my missus, ‘I’m not going for the second round’. The way I was, in that moment, it was awful.” But the defender quickly rose to the occasion and was lauded for raising awareness of the disease as he battled it head on.Speaking to the Guardian in November last year he said: “The way I went about it, people gave me praise … it was too much.”That’s just what I’m like. I understand some people prefer to shy away from it, but I’m different. I’m just being myself.“Even clubs now are being careful now when they do medical checks, all the way from Premier League to League Two, which is massive. In our game we talk about injuries but you never think about cancer.”Bamba was given the all-clear in May 2021, but said he still had to be “careful”, paying regular visits to the doctor.“Unfortunately when you’ve had cancer once, you always have to double check and make sure it doesn’t come back,” he continued. “Is it behind me 100%? Well, I wish but you never know.”Incredibly, he returned to playing football just five months after his diagnosis.At the time of his comeback, he said: “When I was going through chemo, I never thought for one minute I would come back and play. And I never thought about scoring penalties at Old Trafford – nights like that seemed a million miles away.”Bamba was a beloved figure in English football after spells with` Leeds, Middlesbrough and Leicester.He played in the Premier League with Cardiff in the 2018-2019 season after winning the Championship runner-up trophy with the club.Cardiff said Bamba was a “club legend” and his death brought them the “deepest sadness”.The club wrote: “As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman.”Sol Bamba was working in Turkey when he fell ill and passed awayCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoHe bravely battled cancer and leaves behind three childrenCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoSol and Chloe Bamba enjoy a touching moment togetherCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoSol was known for his generous personalityCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoChloe Bamba issued a heartbreaking statement after Sol’s deathCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoLeeds said in a post on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away.”Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”Middlesbrough said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.”Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBamba was born in France but made 46 appearances for the Ivory Coast – the country of his parents’ birth.After playing he stayed with football and moved into management as an assistant manager with Cardiff in 2023. More

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    Who is Sol Bamba’s wife Chloe, how many children do they have?

    FORMER Premier League footballer Sol Bamba passed away on Saturday following a battle with cancer. The ex-Cardiff City and Leeds star was just 39 and his death has left the football world in mourning. Chloe has paid tribute to her husband following his deathBamba also played for Middlesbrough and Leicester and as an international for Ivory Coast he made 46 appearances. But away from football, Bamba had a loving family which included his wife Chloe. Who is Bamba’s wife Chloe and how many kids do they have?Bamba met his wife Chloe while playing for Leicester between 2011 and 2012.They soon married and went on to have three kids together called Roonea, Lily and Amy.Earlier this summer, Bamba posted a tribute to his wife on Instagram.He wrote: “Happy birthday my love. Last couple years haven’t be easy but having you by my side made it so much easier I love you. Enjoy your day, you deserve it.”Sol Bamba and Chloe had three kids togetherSol Bamba and Chloe had been married since at least 2013Following Bamba’s death, Chloe released a statement about her husband’s fight with cancer.”For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism,” her statement read. “Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it.”I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best. Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”Most read in Football More

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    Sol Bamba dead aged 39: Ex-Leeds United, Leicester City and Cardiff City star has died as former club pays tribute

    EX-LEEDS United and Leicester City star Sol Bamba has died with tributes pouring in for the footballer. The centre-back tragically passed away today aged just 39.Sol Bamba has died aged just 39Credit: ReutersBamba with wife Chloe in 2020Bamba made 382 appearances in his senior careerCredit: GettyBamba on holiday in 2018Bamba was known as one of the good guys of football and made 51 appearances for Leeds United and 24 for Middlesbrough.He played in the Premier League with Cardiff City in the 2018-2019 season after winning the Championship runner-up trophy with the club.Cardiff City said Bamba was a “club legend” and his death brought them the “deepest sadness”. “As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman. Read more on football”Our thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone lucky enough to know and love Sol.”Leeds United said in a post on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away. “Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”Middlesbrough FC said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.Most read in Football”Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.”Former club Trabzonspor paid a heartbreaking tribute to their former player who made 27 appearances. Ipswich Town star Sol Bamba sees red then lashes out at Neil WarnockThey said in a statement: “We have learned with deep sorrow the passing of Adanaspor Coach Sol Bamba, who wore our jersey between 2012-2014. “May God have mercy on him and we offer our condolences to his family and all his loved ones.”He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 but had beaten it after undergoing chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free.Bamba was born in France but made 46 appearances for the country of his parents’ birth – Ivory Coast.After playing he stayed with football and moved into management as an assistant manager with Cardiff City in 2023.He was technical director of Turkish side Adanaspor this year.That club shared a tribute to the manager saying he “fell ill” before a match yesterday and “was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there. “Our condolences to his family and our community.”In 2020, Bamba was cruelly robbed of his Range Rover, a Louis Vuitton bag and a Cartier watch in a £90,000 raid on his home.Fans also paid tribute to the player. One said: “Gutted, early footballing memory of him scoring against Man City on debut.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother wrote: “Absolutely devastating. What a human being. Had the pleasure of having him at Middlesbrough. Colossus of a man.”While a third posted: “Devastating, remember him at Cardiff. Absolute legend.”Bamba made 112 appearances for Cardiff CityCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    I would like to go to Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral, says ex Nancy Dell’Olio as she insists he would want her there

    SVEN-Goran Eriksson’s ex Nancy Dell’Olio insists he would want her at his funeral.The Italian lawyer, 63, said in her first interview since the former England football manager’s death: “If they invite me, I will go. I would like to go.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s ex Nancy Dell’Olio insists he would want her at his funeralCredit: Instagram @nancydellolioDell’Olio was in a relationship with Eriksson from 1998 to 2007Credit: Enterprise“But even if I do not go, I have arranged a Mass for him here in Italy. I will say my goodbye. I will pray for Sven.”Sven’s death was announced on Sunday at the age of 76 after he battled pancreatic cancer.Nancy and Sven split up some 15 years ago, but she told the Daily Mail: “I’m surprised by my reaction. It’s difficult not to cry. “My phone has been inundated with messages but I couldn’t look at them at first. ”I just needed to be alone with my thoughts.READ MORE ON SVEN-GORAN“It’s odd, the mix of emotions, but it has hit me that Sven is dead. It is over.”She remembered a pancreatic cancer specialist telling her to get Sven to go to him in Boston, US, before she then called him to talk about it. She said: “I told myself I would not be upset when I heard his voice.”I would not cry, like I am doing now. I would not be dramatic. I would be factual.”Most read in FootballBut she fell apart as soon as she heard his voice, adding: “I could tell that Sven was smiling on the other end of the phone.I begged him, was begging him, to go to Boston. ” David Beckham shares heartbreaking tribute video after tragic death of former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson“He said: ‘Come on, Nancy, it is OK.I have to trust my doctors.’“It was a beautiful moment. I was crying, like I am crying now, but he tried to make it disappear, make it OK.”Following the former England manager’s death, Nancy said: ‘I’m surprised by my reaction. It’s difficult not to cry’Credit: Enterprise More

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    What was Juan Izquirego’s cause of death?

    URUGUAYAN footballer, Juan Izquierdo, has tragically passed away at the age of 27 after collapsing on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match.The defender, who was playing for Nacional in their last 16 tie against São Paulo, collapsed during the second leg at the Morumbi Stadium in Brazil on Thursday, August 22, 2024.Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo has sadly passed awayWhat happened to Juan Izquierdo?Juan Izquierdo suffered a “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia” in the 84th minute of the match.He was rushed to the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo, where he was placed on a ventilator and received neurological critical care.Despite the medical team’s best efforts, Izquierdo sadly passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, after fighting for his life for several days.Uruguay’s domestic leagues postponed their games at the weekend as a mark of respect, while São Paulo players paid tribute to Izquierdo during their Brazilian league win over Vitória on Sunday. The football community has also been left in mourning, with tributes pouring in from around the world.The footballer’s club, Nacional, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement: “It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo.”We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones.”South American football chief Alejandro Dominguez expressed his condolences, saying: “South American football is in mourning.”Most read in FootballMeanwhile, São Paulo described it as a “sad day for football”.Former Manchester United striker and Uruguay icon Diego Forlán also paid tribute, he said: “How sad. My deepest condolences to his family.”Tributes from fans and clubs across South America followed, with Brazilian side Fluminense and numerous supporters expressing their grief and sending their condolences to Izquierdo’s loved ones.As the world mourns his loss, Nacional and the wider community remember Juan Izquierdo not just as a talented defender but as a beloved teammate, father, and husband.Born on July 4, 1997, he was just 27 when he died.He leaves behind a wife and two children.A heartfelt message from Nacional read: “RIP Juan, you will be with us forever.”What was Juan Izquierdo’s cause of death?On August 28, 2024, the hospital where Izquierdo passed away released a statement.It read: “The Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital regrets to announce the death of Mr. Juan Manuel Izquierdo, who passed away on Tuesday, August 27, at 9:38 PM (local time), as a result of brain death following a cardiac arrest associated with an arrhythmia.”However, further medical investigations may be conducted to determine if there were any underlying conditions that contributed to this tragic event. The coroner at Albert Einstein Hospital indicated that an autopsy could provide more clarity, but that the decision lies with Izquierdo’s family, as well as CONMEBOL, or Brazilian authorities.Izquierdo’s death is a painful reminder of the health risks faced by athletes, with cardiac-related incidents occurring sporadically in sports. Such occurrences, while rare, have been noted to increase since the global pandemic, raising concerns about athlete health and well-being.READ MORE SUN STORIESIzquierdo spent almost all of his club career in Uruguay, playing for teams including Peñarol, Montevideo Warriors, and Montevideo side Liverpool FC.He had a brief spell with Mexican side Atlético San Luis in 2021 before returning to his homeland, where he was in his second stint with Nacional. More

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    Ex-England star Carlton Palmer reveals heartbreaking death of his dad on same day as friend Craig Shakespeare’s funeral

    CARLTON PALMER has revealed that his father died on the same day as he attended Craig Shakespeare’s funeral.The former England star shared the heartbreaking news on social media.Carlton Palmer’s dad has passed awayCredit: Action ImagesPalmer, 58, was with his mother and sister as his father died aged 89 in the early hours of the morning.The retired midfielder posted on X, revealing the news along with a picture of him and his dad.He wrote: “My dad passed at 3.17am this morning.”I love you and I will miss you. I was with him, my mother and my sister, and he passed peacefully in his sleep.READ MORE IN SPORT”God bless you Dad.”Palmer also admitted that he had been at the funeral of Craig Shakespeare today.Shakespeare passed away at the age of 60 earlier this month.He was diagnosed with cancer in October 2023 and received many tributes from the footballing world.Most read in FootballPalmer earned 18 caps for EnglandCredit: RexPalmer was one of the attendees at the Premeir League-winning former Leicester City’s coach’s funeral.He added: “It’s been a tough day.”My Dad passing this morning and burying my very good friend this afternoon.”Heartbroken.”Palmer received plenty of support from his followers on social media.One posted: “So sorry for your loss Carlton, thinking of you.”A second wrote: “I’m sorry to hear this, Carlton. I knew you two were so very close.”A third commented: “Through it all, remember the good times.”A fourth said: “Sorry for your loss. Big respect to even still go.”Another added: “Very sorry to hear that Carlton. My deepest condolences to you and your family.”Palmer starred for the likes of West Brom, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United during his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also played for the likes of Southampton, Nottingham Forest and Coventry City.He earned 18 caps for England and scored one goal against San Marino in 1993.Craig Shakespeare won the Premier League at Leicester CityCredit: Getty – ContributorWho are these famous footballers? More

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    Sven-Goran Eriksson’s ex Nancy Dell’Olio shares unseen snaps of former England boss as she pays tribute to ‘ex-husband’

    SVEN-Goran Eriksson’s ex lover has paid a heartfelt tribute to the former England manager with a series of never-before-seen romantic snaps.Eriksson tragically passed away on Monday aged 76 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.Sven-Goran Eriksson dated Nancy Dell’Olio and the pair were together for almost 10 yearsCredit: Thomas JohanssonNancy has now shared a series of never-before-seen pictures of her relationship with SvenCredit: Instagram @nancydellolioThe Italian beauty also shared a heartfelt tribute alongside the loving snapsCredit: Instagram @nancydellolioNancy is seen laughing while sitting on the England boss’ lap with his arms around her waistCredit: Instagram @nancydellolioNancy Dell’Olio, 63, had a ten-year romance with the Swede and were thought to have never married, yet she referred to him as her “ex-husband” in a passionate letter about their time together.The Italian beauty left her husband Giancarlo Massa to be with Sven, and was frequently by his side as snaps would show the couple together at several competitions.Nancy has now posted a series of unseen pictures of the two of them together on Instagram.In a romantic photo, she was laughing while sitting on the England boss’ lap with his arms around her waist. Read more on ErikssonAnother shows the loved-up pair looking passionately into each other’s eyes.She referred to Sven as her “ex-husband” in the caption, reflecting on the highs and lows of the relationship while maintaining that “love never truly fades.”Nancy wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my ex-husband, Sven. “Though our relationship had its ups and downs, I choose to remember the good times we shared and the moments that brought joy to our lives.Most read in Football”I will always hold onto those cherished memories and extend my deepest condolences to his family, as well as his beloved children, Lina and Johan.The couple was snapped while enjoying the sunset togetherCredit: Instagram @nancydellolioNancy would often be pictured alongside the former England boss at tournamentsCredit: Reuters”When you love someone, that love never truly fades. Rest in peace, Sven. You will be missed.”Sven-Goran Eriksson filmed his heartbreaking final goodbye alone – and his emotional message left film crew in tearsThree years prior to Sven taking up the position of manager for England, in 1998, Nancy and he met while he was the manager of Lazio in Rome.After Sven secured the top job in England, she relocated to London with him, but at the beginning of 2002, he had an affair with Swedish television presenter Ulrika Jonsson.Nancy remained loyal to Sven, but in 2004 he had another affair with Faria Alam, the Football Association secretary at the time.Given that Faria had previously had an affair with Mark Palios, the former CEO of the FA, the second affair story made headlines.Nancy stayed with Sven despite the backlash from the media, and when he took England to the World Cup in Germany in 2006, she threw lavish parties for the WAGS at their Baden Baden base.But ultimately, after ten years together, the couple parted ways in August 2007.”I’m proud to have talked about the beautiful love story that linked me to Sven, it’s one of the two great love stories of my life,” Nancy wrote, glowingly, about their connection in her book My lovely Game.Sven-Goran Eriksson has tragically died after battling pancreatic cancerCredit: GettyEriksson managed the England team from 2001 to 2006Credit: AP:Associated PressLEGEND LOSTSven-Goran Eriksson tragically passed away aged 76 after revealing he had terminal pancreatic cancer.Eriksson, 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.They have now 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.”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.”Eriksson had said his heartbreaking final goodbye on film as his life was chronicled in a documentary released on Amazon Prime Video last week.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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”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.”I always thought, great place to sleep. The ashes could be thrown into the water here. It feels like home.”Sven Goran Eriksson shared a poignant goodbye message in a new documentary chronicling his lifeCredit: Amazon PrimeEriksson is pictured in January 2024 after revealing his diagnosisCredit: Filip BohmSven-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) More

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

    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