Wayne Rooney has urged Sven-Goran Eriksson to keep fighting after the former England manager revealed he has terminal cancer.
Eriksson, 75, fears he has a year to live or at 'worst a little less' after the bombshell diagnosis last year.
'Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good. Everyone guesses it's cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can,' he told Sweden's P1 radio station.
Rooney led the tributes to Eriksson following the news.
'Sad news this morning. Thoughts are with Sven Goran-Eriksson and his family,' Rooney said.
Wayne Rooney has urged Sven Goran Eriksson to keep fighting after the former England manager revealed he has terminal cancer
Rooney described Eriksson as a 'brilliant coach and a special person' and urged his former boss to 'keep fighting'
Eriksson was a central figure during Rooney's career with England after handing the striker his debut in 2003, a year before he took centre stage at Euro 2004 in Portugal
Rooney was defended by Eriksson following his red card in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final against Portugal
'A brilliant coach and a special person. Loved and respected by everyone.
'We’re all with you Sven, keep fighting.'
Eriksson played an important role in Rooney's career with the Swedish coach handing the striker his international debut at the age of 17 in 2003.
Rooney rose to international prominence a year later at Euro 2004, scoring four goals on England's run to the quarter-finals, before being forced off with an injury in the last eight loss to hosts Portugal.
Eriksson later came to Rooney's defence after his sending off in the World Cup quarter-finals against Portugal in 2006, as the Three Lions exited the tournament on penalties.
'He is the golden boy of English football, so don't kill him,' Eriksson said after the match.
In a glittering managerial career Eriksson was boss of IFK Gothenburg, Benfica, Roma, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio, Manchester City and Leicester City.
He was also manager of Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines.
But while in charge of England for five years he became the most famous football manager in the world.
Sending our love, Sven ❤️ pic.twitter.com/s6ga1APO0c
— England (@England) January 11, 2024
John Terry and Steven Gerrard were among former England stars to react to the news
Former England defender Danny Mills referenced England's famous 5-1 win over Germany under Eriksson when reacting to the 'terribly sad news'
Between 2001 and 2006 he guided the so-called 'golden generation' of stars including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard but never won the major trophy that was expected.
England's social media accounts posted 'Sending our love, Sven' following Eriksson's revelation of his diagnosis.
Former England stars John Terry and Steven Gerrard, who became regulars during Eriksson’s era, were among those to react to the news.
‘Terribly sad news, thinking of you gaffer,’ Terry wrote, while Gerrard posted ‘Stay strong gaffer.’
Danny Mills, part of England’s 2002 World Cup squad under Eriksson, referenced England’s famous 5-1 win away against Germany during the qualification campaign in his message.
‘Incredibly sad news,’ Mills wrote, adding ‘will always be remembered for this game’.
Man City, who were managed by Eriksson between 2007 and 2008, were among his former sides to send messages of support.
'Everyone at Manchester City is thinking of Sven-Göran Eriksson, and we wish to express our collective support to our former Manager, and his family and friends, during this time,' Man City posted.
Everyone at Manchester City is thinking of Sven-Göran Eriksson, and we wish to express our collective support to our former Manager, and his family and friends, during this time
澳洲中文论坛热点
- 悉尼部份城铁将封闭一年，华人区受影响！只能乘巴士（组图）
- 据《逐日电讯报》报导，从明年年中开始，因为从Bankstown和Sydenham的城铁将因Metro South West革新名目而
- 联邦政客们具有多少房产？
- 据本月早些时分报导，绿党副首领、参议员Mehreen Faruqi已获准在Port Macquarie联系其房产并建造三栋投资联