Former England manager Eriksson dies aged 76

YEREVAN, AUGUST 26, ARMENPRESS. Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died at the age of 76, the BBC reports.

Eriksson, the first non-British manager of the England football team, led the Three Lions to the quarter-finals at three major tournaments during his five-year spell in charge between 2001 and 2006.

In January Eriksson said he had "at best" a year to live after being diagnosed with cancer.

His children, Lina and Johan, said on Monday: "Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Bjorkefors outside Sunne this morning. He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end.

"Dad told us at the beginning of this year about his serious illness and received an amazing response from friends and football fans around Europe.

"He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. They shared their love for football and for dad.

"It was unforgettable for both him and us. He expressed his appreciation and joy and stated that such beautiful words are usually only uttered when someone has died.

"We hope that you will remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was both in public and at home with us."

The Swede managed 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma and Lazio, winning 18 trophies.

Eriksson also had spells in charge of Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines.

After retiring as a player at the age of 27, Eriksson began his managerial career with Degerfors in 1977 before joining fellow Swedish side Gothenburg, where he won the Swedish title, two Swedish cups and the 1982 Uefa Cup.

He shared a poignant message at the end of his new documentary film 'Sven', which was released earlier this month.

He said: "I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do.

"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."