Eriksson Funeral: David Beckham Among 600 Mourners to Pay Tribute to Former England Manager
The Eriksson funeral took place on a somber day in Torsby, Sweden, as hundreds of mourners gathered to bid farewell to the former England manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson. The service, which was attended by 600 people, including David Beckham and other notable figures from the world of football, was a celebration of Eriksson’s life and achievements.
Sven-Goran Eriksson: A Pioneering Career in Football
Sven-Goran Eriksson, who passed away on August 26 at the age of 76, was a pioneering figure in the world of football. As the first non-British manager to lead the England team, he paved the way for future generations of international managers. Eriksson’s managerial career spanned over four decades, during which he managed 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma, and Lazio, winning 18 trophies along the way.
Eriksson’s managerial career was marked by significant milestones, including his appointment as the manager of the England team in 2001. During his five-year tenure, he led the team to the quarter-finals at three major tournaments, including the 2002 World Cup, where they were eliminated by Brazil, and the 2004 European Championship, where they were beaten by Portugal.
Eriksson’s Legacy in English Football
Eriksson’s legacy in English football is still remembered and celebrated today. As a pioneering figure, he brought a new approach to the game, introducing tactics and strategies that were not commonly used in the English game at the time. His influence on the game can still be seen today, with many English teams adopting similar tactics and strategies.
During his time in charge of the England team, Eriksson also introduced a number of talented young players to the team, including David Beckham, who captained the team during Eriksson’s tenure. Beckham, who attended the funeral, paid tribute to Eriksson, describing him as a “mentor” and a “friend.”
A Celebration of Eriksson’s Life
The funeral service, which was delivered in both Swedish and English, was a celebration of Eriksson’s life and achievements. The service was attended by members of the Swedish royal family, as well as former players and managers who had worked with Eriksson during his career.
As the mourners gathered outside the church, a brass band played a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” a song that has become synonymous with Liverpool Football Club, a team that Eriksson had always dreamed of managing. Eriksson’s coffin was led into the church, accompanied by a guard of honor formed by members of the Swedish football team.
Eriksson’s Family Pay Tribute
Eriksson’s family, including his father, Sven, and his children, Lina and Johan, paid tribute to him during the service. His family remembered him as a loving and dedicated family man, who always put the needs of others before his own.
Eriksson’s former partner, Nancy Dell’Olio, also attended the service, paying tribute to the man she had shared her life with for many years.
A Final Farewell
As the service came to a close, the mourners said their final farewells to Sven-Goran Eriksson. His coffin was led out of the church, accompanied by the sound of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” once again. The funeral procession made its way to Kollsbergs hembygdsgard, where Eriksson was laid to rest.
The Eriksson funeral was a fitting tribute to a man who had dedicated his life to the beautiful game. As the mourners said their final farewells, they remembered a man who had brought so much joy and excitement to the world of football.
External Links:
* Sven-Göran Eriksson on Wikipedia
* Sven-Goran Eriksson: Former England manager dies aged 76 on BBC Sport