Sven-Goran Eriksson 'has a year left to live' as ex-England boss reveals terminal cancer diagnosis

Sven-Goran Eriksson 'has a year left to live' as ex-England boss reveals terminal cancer diagnosis

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 11/01/2024

- 07:31

Updated: 11/01/2024

- 09:48

Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed he is seriously ill with cancer.

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has stated that he "maybe a year left to live" after confirming he has been diagnosed with cancer.

The 75-year-old stepped down as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad Fotboll last year "due to health problems".


Eriksson has now confirmed that he's been diagnosed with termincal cancer.

He told Swedish radio station P1: "Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed he's been diagnosed with cancer

Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed he's been diagnosed with cancer

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"Everyone guesses it's cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can."

Eriksson added that he has "maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer".

But the former Lazio and Roma boss is trying to be positive and is trying not to focus on his terminal illness.

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."

He told the radio station that his cancer diagnosis came after he collapsed while going on a 5km run.

Eriksson said: "They don't know how long I had cancer, maybe a month or a year".

The former manager rose to prominence in Italian football and made a name for himself worldwide when he led Lazio to their second Serie A title in the club's history in 2000.

Sven Goran Eriksson famously led Lazio to their second-ever Serie A title in 2000

Sven Goran Eriksson famously led Lazio to their second-ever Serie A title in 2000

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That achievement led to England calling six months later with Eriksson taking over the Three Lions as the first non-British manager to be appointed as the country's head coach.

He took control of England's 'golden generation', but failed to get them past the quarter-final stage of three major competitions.

Eriksson left his role with England at the end of the 2006 World Cup but went on take up positions with Manchester City, Mexico, Notts County, Ivory Coast and Leicester City with his final managerial post being with the Philippines national team.

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Sven-Goran Eriksson managed England between 2001 and 2006

Sven-Goran Eriksson managed England between 2001 and 2006

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Eriksson has admitted that his biggest regret during his time in charge of England was not bringing in a mental coach to help his side during the 2006 World Cup campaign.

England were seen as one of the favourites with the squad boasting players such as Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham.

But the Three Lions crashed out at the quarter-final stage to Portugal on penalties.

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