David Beckham reveals last words Sven-Göran Eriksson said to him as pair said goodbye
Former England star David Beckham paid tribute to his manager
David Beckham has shared the last words Sven-Göran Eriksson said to him as the pair said ‘goodbye’.
This morning, on August 26, it was reported that the former England manager has passed away at the age of 76.
A message on the Swedish website announced that he had died after being diagnosed with cancer, with his family by his side.
He was the first foreign coach for the England men’s soccer team and managed the team in 67 games from 2001 to 2006. Under his leadership, the team reached the quarter-finals in three big tournaments in a row.
Beckham honored Eriksson by posting a recent video of the famous football player and coach pair on Instagram.
Sven-Göran Eriksson and David Beckham at the Euros in 2004. (Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)
He wrote: “We laughed , we cried & we knew we were saying goodbye… Sven thank you for always being the person you have always been, passionate, caring, calm & a true gentleman…
I will always be thankful that you chose me to be your captain, and I will cherish the memories of this day spent with you and your family forever.
“Thank you Sven and in your last words to me ‘It will be ok’.”
Wayne Rooney, who used to play with Beckham, also honored their old coach after Eriksson gave him his first chance to play for the national team in 2003.
The former England captain posted on X: “Rest in peace, Sven. He was a truly special person.”
I really appreciate all the great memories and everything you’ve done to help me. I’m sending my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Another player, Michael Owen, shared his thoughts: “Rest In Peace, Sven-Goran Eriksson. He was truly one of the greatest and will be deeply missed by all in the football community.”
The Prince of Wales expressed his sadness about the loss of Sven-Göran Eriksson. He said, “I was really sorry to hear that Sven-Göran Eriksson has passed away. I had the chance to meet him a few times when he was the England manager, and I was always impressed by his charm and love for football. My heart goes out to his family and friends. He was a real gentleman in the sport. W.”
Mark Bullingham, the head of the Football Association, honored Eriksson, who is well-known for guiding the Three Lions to an impressive 5-1 victory against Germany during a World Cup qualifier in Munich back in September 2001.
An iconic manager. (Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“This is a very sad day. He gave all England fans such special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven’s guidance,” Bullingham said.
“Sven will be rightly recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game.
My coworkers and I at the FA, both from now and before, are thinking about his friends and family today. We will really miss him, and we plan to honor him when we play against Finland at Wembley next month.
A new documentary on Amazon Prime recently shared the story of Eriksson’s amazing life and career. In it, he discussed how he wants people to remember him.
“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do,” he said.
“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.”
Featured Image Credit: Martin Rose via Getty Images / David Beckham / Instagram
