Sven-Goran Eriksson issues EMOTIONAL farewell message as the end nears

Sven-Goran Eriksson has shared a deeply emotional farewell message as he confronts the final stages of his battle with terminal pancreatic cancer.

The 76-year-old, who revealed his diagnosis in January, has expressed that he may have only "a year to live" and has since been preparing for the end with grace and dignity.

Eriksson, a lifelong Liverpool fan, has been on an emotional farewell tour, visiting the stadiums of his former clubs, including Lazio, Benfica, and Sampdoria.

In March, he fulfilled a long-held dream by managing Liverpool in a legends match against Ajax at Anfield.

'Sven', a new documentary

In his newly released Amazon Prime documentary, titled Sven, Eriksson offers a moving parting message to his supporters.

The documentary, set to be released later this week, provides a final insight into Eriksson's life and career as he faces the inevitable with remarkable strength.

"I had a good life, yes," he reflects.

"I think we all are scared of the day when it's finished, when we die. But life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is."

He continues with a heartfelt appeal: "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 crowd.

"It's been fantastic. Take care of yourself, and take care of your life, and live it. Bye."

England's first foreign manager

Eriksson's illustrious career in football management spanned several decades, beginning in his native Sweden before extending across Europe and into international football.

Appointed as England's first foreign manager in 2001, he guided the national team through three major tournaments over a five-year period. Despite not securing a major trophy, he remains a respected figure in English football.

His managerial journey also took him to top clubs such as Benfica, Lazio, Roma, Fiorentina and Sampdoria, where he left a lasting legacy.

He later managed English clubs Manchester City and Leicester City, before acting as director of football at Notts County.

Beyond Europe, Eriksson managed the national teams of Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines, capping off a storied career before retiring in 2019.

Eriksson’s goodbye will resonate deeply with fans and colleagues alike, marking the end of an era for one of football’s most respected figures.