Emotional David Beckham says final goodbye to Sven-Goran Eriksson alongside manager’s family & friends at funeral
AN EMOTIONAL David Beckham said his final goodbye to Sven-Goran Eriksson alongside the former England manager’s family and friends at his funeral today.Sven’s dad – also named Sven, his children Johan and Lina and partner Yaniseth Alcides attended the tearful service at Fryksande church in Sven’s home town of Torsby, Sweden.Sven’s partner Yaniseth Alcides embraces David BeckhamCredit: AlamyBeckham touches Sven’s coffin at the homestead museum after the church serviceCredit: RexSven’s former longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio says her final goodbyeCredit: RexSven’s coffin is carried away after the funeral serviceCredit: AFPBeckham appeared to get emotional on leaving the service alongside other mournersCredit: Doug Seeburg/News Group Newspapers LtdSven’s former longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio, who reconciled with him after his terminal diagnosis, was pictured tearfully wiping her eyes.She and Beckham – who captained the Three Lions during Sven’s time in charge from 2001 to 2006 – shared an embrace on arrival at the church.Close pal Bengt Berg told the gathering: “You were both very ordinary and very unique – that is why you were so loved.”Liverpool FC’s anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone and Jungle Book tune Bare Necessities were played by a local brass band as mourners lined the streets after the service.READ MORE ABOUT SVENFuneral guests gathered in a nearby open air auditorium at Kollsberg homestead museum for “moments of joy” featuring music and poetry celebrating Sven’s life.Beckham and Dell’Olio were among those seen touching the coffin there. Sven succumbed to pancreatic cancer on August 26.Beckham wipes his eye during the serviceCredit: RexYaniseth Alcides says her final goodbyeCredit: RexSven’s partner Yaniseth Alcides, father Sven Eriksson snr and daughter Lina ErikssonCredit: RexBeckham and Dell’Olio hugged as they arrivedCredit: RexSven’s partner Yaniseth arrives at the churchCredit: RexSven’s daughter Lina, son Johan and father Sven gather at his coffinCredit: RexSven-Göran Eriksson rememberedThe funeral of Sven-Göran Eriksson was marked by heartfelt tributes and emotional farewells. David Beckham, Roy Hodgson, Yaniseth Alcides, and Nancy Dell’Olio were among the attendees, with onlookers watching the ceremony from a big screen outside the church. The service, held at Fryksande Church in Eriksson’s hometown of Torsby, transitioned to Kollsbergs Hembygdsgård museum by Lake Fryken, where close friends and family delivered their eulogies. Roy Hodgson told Sky Sports: “It was the most incredible, beautiful ceremony… so typical of the Eriksson family and Sven himself to bring people from all parts of the world.”Copy linkCopiedA crowd gathered outside to observe the day’s eventsCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedA day of tributeCredit: RexCredit: RexCredit: RexCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedEngland’s emotional tributeEngland paid a heartfelt tribute on Tuesday to Sven-Göran Eriksson ahead of their victory over Finland, sharing an emotional video on social media. The tribute highlighted Eriksson’s best moments during his five years as England manager, including the memorable 5-1 win over Germany in 2001, where Michael Owen scored a hat-trick.Copy linkCopiedRoy Hodgson and David Beckham among attendeesCopy linkCopiedNancy Dell’Olio breaks down in tearsNancy Dell’Olio, Sven-Göran Eriksson’s ex, became emotional during the funeral, saying, “A part of my life is gone forever.”Copy linkCopiedEriksson cakes sold at Wienerkonditoriet cafe in TorsbyCredit: Yui Mok/PA Wire.Copy linkCopiedRoy Hodgson with former England coach Tord GripRoy Hodgson first managed in Sven-Göran Eriksson’s native Sweden from 1976 to 1979, later taking charge of the Swedish national team from 1992 to 1995. Hodgson is regarded as a legendary figure in Swedish football, credited with transforming the game during his time there.He later followed in Sven’s footsteps, becoming England coach from 2012 to 2016.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedDaughter Lina Eriksson smiles in reflectionCredit: Sipa US/Alamy Live NewsCopy linkCopiedYaniseth Alcides and David Beckham embraceCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedMourners pay respectsFamily and friends line up to pay their final respects, with around 600 mourners dressed in black attending the funeral in Sweden.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedReflecting on Eriksson’s football legacySven-Göran Eriksson’s illustrious career was marked by significant achievements across continents.His successes include leading IFK Göteborg to a prestigious Swedish Cup victory and guiding Lazio to an Italian Super Cup win. He later managed England from 2001 to 2006, notably orchestrating a 5-1 triumph over Germany.Sven-Göran Eriksson and David Beckham during their time together as England manager.Credit: ReutersSven-Göran Eriksson is lifted by IFK Göteborg players in celebration after their victory in the Swedish Cup final.Sven-Göran Eriksson celebrates alongside Portuguese player-turned-coach Sergio Conceição after Lazio’s Italian Super Cup winCopy linkCopiedNancy Dell’Olio’s bids farewell to “Love of Her Life”Nancy Dell’Olio says an emotional goodbye to the “love of her life.”She dated Eriksson for ten years before their split in 2007.Credit: RexNancy appeared on Good Morning Britain just two weeks ago, where she revealed her final conversation with Sven.She said: “I just said he was trying to put in the effort to say that he was fine on the phone because most of the time he was not answering or at treatment.“I never thought that he was about to die.“I always believed there would be some sort of miracle.“I’m sorry.”Copy linkCopiedBeckham says final goodbye David Beckham gently places his hand on the coffin, bidding a heartfelt farewell to his friend and former boss.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedLive performance from Oscar MagnussonCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedFinal ceremony beautifully setCredit: RexCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedEriksson’s last dream “You’ll Never Walk Alone” was performed by the brass band as mourners followed the coffin in procession.The song was a particularly poignant choice for Eriksson, a lifelong Liverpool fan. Sven fulfilled his dream of managing from the Anfield dugout in March, coaching a team of Liverpool legends, including Steven Gerrard, John Barnes, and Ian Rush.That match would mark the final chapter of Sven’s storied coaching career.Copy linkCopiedClose friend pays tribute to ‘SvennisBy Nick ParkerA close pal Bengt Berg told the gathering: “He remained Svennis from Torsby from a small town on the edge of the Swedish map.”Bengt added of his friend: “You were both very ordinary and very unique – that is why you were so loved.”And he urged mourners to follow the mantra of the man know throughout Sweden simply as “Svennis”: “Live in the hear and now and savour each day as if it were your last”Copy linkCopiedSven’s nearest and dearest follow funeral processionCredit: Yui Mok/PA Wire.Copy linkCopied More