The soccer community’s memorial wave continues for Swedish ‘master’ Sven Yehran Eriksson, who died at the age of 76 after battling pancreatic cancer.
Coach Eriksson, who was the first foreign head coach of the England national team and led Benfica (Portugal), AS Roma, Lazio (Italy), Manchester City, Leicester City (England), and Mexico national team, died on the 26th in Korean time. 메이저사이트
Soccer stars who joined Eriksson at the news of his death prayed for the master’s death with deep condolences.
David Beckham, who led the England national team’s “golden generation” with Eriksson, posted a video on his social networking service (SNS) in January of his meeting with Eriksson, who was battling the disease.
“You have always been a true gentleman, passionate, caring and calm,” Beckham wrote. “Thank you for that. I will forever cherish the last memory we shared.”
Wayne Rooney, who made his England debut at the age of 17 under Eriksson’s leadership, also joined the memorial service.
“Rest in peace director. He was a very special person,” Rooney said on his SNS account. “Thank you for all your support and guidance. I send my prayers to my family and friends.”
On 12 February 2003, at the age of 17 years and 111 days, Rooney made his debut for the England national team under the direction of Eriksson in the second half of the warm-up match against Australia, announcing his ‘star birth’.
Peter Crouch, the tall striker who played for the national team under coach Eriksson, also said, “He was a great guy. When many people doubted my potential, Eriksson made me debut in the national team.”
Crouch first made the England national team in May 2005 after being selected by Eriksson, and then made his debut and grew into a key striker.
Harry Kane (München), the current captain of the England national team, also joined the memorial ranks.
Kane said on the BBC, “I didn’t have the privilege to play with coach Ericsson, but I know how many people who played with him respected and liked him,” adding, “My condolences go out to his family and relatives.”
“I am saddened by the news of his death,” said Gianni Infantino, the head of FIFA. “He was a great innovator and a true representative of a beautiful game. On behalf of FIFA, I offer my condolences.”
Manchester City, where coach Eriksson took the helm, mourned, saying, “Rest in peace,” and AS Roma left a message, “CIAO Sven.”
In addition, the players of both teams, who faced Verona and Juventus in the second round of the 2024-2025 Italian professional football Serie A on the 26th local time, had time to pay tribute to coach Eriksson before kickoff.