Farewell, Eriksson: May There Be Football in Heaven

"I have lived a happy life. I think we all fear the day of death, but life is indeed connected with death, and you must learn to accept the nature of this fact. I hope that, in the end, people will say I was a good man, but I know not everyone will." These words, spoken by Sven-Göran Eriksson in a recent documentary, now echo with a deeper meaning as the 76-year-old Swedish football legend has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered with a heavy heart.

Eriksson's career as a manager was illustrious, with 18 trophies to his name. A world-class coach, he proved his worth by leading teams to victory in top European competitions and guiding the English national team in major tournaments. Towards the end of his career, he took his footballing philosophy across continents, from Africa to Asia, spreading his influence globally. His colorful off-field stories only added to the richness of his football journey.

As a player, Eriksson struggled to make a mark, often hampered by injuries, and retired before he turned 30, having spent most of his playing days in lower leagues. However, his transition to coaching was where he truly found his calling. Within three years, he transformed an obscure team into a top-flight contender, making headlines in Swedish football. His success continued as he took IFK Göteborg to win the UEFA Cup in 1982, setting the stage for a career that would see him manage clubs and national teams across the globe.

Eriksson's managerial career took him to clubs in Portugal, Italy, England, Mexico, Côte d'Ivoire, Thailand, the UAE, China, and the Philippines. His time at Lazio was particularly noteworthy, where he led the club to a historic Serie A title, earning him the reputation of a top-tier manager. From 2001 to 2006, Eriksson served as the head coach of the England national team, becoming the first foreign manager to take the helm. In recent years, he became a familiar figure in Chinese football, coaching Guangzhou R&F, Shanghai SIPG, and Shenzhen FC, leaving a lasting impression on Chinese football fans.

Throughout his career, Eriksson won numerous accolades, including a Serie A title with Lazio, a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with Lazio, a UEFA Cup with IFK Göteborg, four Coppa Italia titles (two with Lazio, one with Sampdoria, one with Roma), and three Primeira Liga titles with Benfica. However, all these achievements pale in the face of his battle with pancreatic cancer, a fight that ultimately ended his life.

"I hope you remember me as a positive person, someone who tried to do everything the right way. Don't be sad; I hope you will smile when you think of me. Thank you for everything—coaches, players, fans—it's been wonderful. Take care of yourselves and your lives. Goodbye." In his final moments, Eriksson remained as dignified and composed as ever. As we bid him farewell, we send our best wishes to the legendary coach. May there be football in heaven.