The children of Sven-Goran Eriksson have expressed their father's deep appreciation for the outpouring of support he received following his terminal cancer diagnosis. The former England manager, who passed away peacefully in his sleep at 76 on Monday after a courageous battle with his illness, has been remembered fondly by the football community.
England's official Twitter account paid tribute, stating: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Rest in peace, Sven. You will be greatly missed."
Eriksson's children, Lina and Johan, soon released a heartfelt statement saying: "Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Bjorkefors outside Sunne this morning. He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end."
They extended their thoughts to Sven-Goran's father Sven; girlfriend Yaniseth and her son Alcides; his brother Lasse and wife Jumnong, as well as 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," their statement read.
"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.
"'I get to hear it while I'm alive and I'm incredibly grateful for that. The heart beats twice and the tears come. I have had the best job in the world and I was happy every day for long periods. It's been fantastic,' he said.
"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 in both public and at home with us. Lina and John Eriksson."
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"I had a good life," he said. "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. Bye."
