Sven-Göran Eriksson was emotional at Swedish sports gala: “They’ll make me cry”

The world of Swedish sports honored the coach last night at the annual gala. Sven-Göran Erikssonwho two weeks ago revealed that he is suffering from cancer and has it “one year to live, at best”. “Thank you all so much. I don’t think I deserve all this recognition, but thank you. It’s too much. Thank you for everything. I have nothing else to say”the 75-year-old veteran coach said in a very short speech when he took the stage to present one of the awards.

The fences of 2,000 people fill the auditorium of the Friends Arena in Stockholm They stayed for almost a minute to applaud a smiling Eriksson, who said they would beat him. “to make someone cry”.

During the gala, several of his former players intervened to send him greetings of recognition, some on video, such as the current England manager, Gareth Southgate, John Terry and Wayne Rooneywho he coached during his time in charge of the “Three Lions” team (2001-2006).

“Everyone loves you and I want to thank you for giving me my England debut so long ago.”Terry said.

Rooney thanked Eriksson “for all the help and advice” that he gave him and is “sorry” that he cannot accompany him in person, when he goes through “so many difficulties”.

“At best I have a year left. At worst, a little less”11 underlined in an interview with Swedish public radio “Svennis”, the diminutive by which he is known.

Eriksson left his post as sporting director of modest Swedish club Karlstad last year, citing health problems, the last stage of a long and fruitful career that began in the late 1970s in his home country.

After winning the league and UEFA Cup with Swedish team Gothenburg, he made the jump to Benfica, with whom he won three league titles and from there he went to Italy, where he spent most of his career at clubs like Rome, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Laziowith which he won a scudetto, several cups and another UEFA.

Eriksson also played in English football (Manchester City, Leicester) and was manager of England, Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines, as well as playing in the Chinese and Thai leagues.