Iconic Lazio manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away aged 76, leaving the world of football in mourning.
The late Swede had been battling cancer over the past few years, and the doctors had informed him that his condition was hopeless. Nevertheless, the legendary tactician remained upbeat until his final days. He even bid Lazio fans farewell last May in a special appearance at the Stadio Olimpico and did the same with some of his other former clubs, including Sampdoria.
During his illustrious managerial career, Eriksson took over a host of prestigious jobs, including Roma, Manchester City and the English national team. Nevertheless, his stint at Lazio is arguably the most prosperous.
The Swedish tactician led the Biancocelesti towards an unforgettable Scudetto triumph in 2000, which remains the club’s last Serie A title until this day. Moreover, he lifted two Coppa Italia trophies as a Lazio boss, in addition to two Italian Super Cups. Eriksson also led the club towards European glory by winning the UEFA Cup Winners Cup as well as the UEFA Super Cup.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito paid tribute to the departed coach with an emotional farewell letter posted on the club’s official website.
SS Lazio mourns the passing of Sven Goran Eriksson: his courage in facing the illness that struck him was an example and lesson for anyone who listened to him. During the interviews he gave in recent months, he was able to instill love for life and for football. He was not only the most successful coach in the history of the Società Sportiva Lazio, but above all a man of integrity and an exquisite and gentlemanly person, qualities that he knew how to mix with classic Nordic aplomb.
I remember him at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, excited like a child, on the occasion of his return to the Capital, we spoke for a long time: I was struck by his serenity, we hugged each other tightly. I saw him walk towards the edge of the pitch, at a slow pace he walked around the stadium. All our Lazio people, as he passed, shouted phrases of thanks and affection, an almost palpable emotion, tears running down their faces, he knew how to respond to the encouragements with the strength of his smile.
I would like to hug him again, to whisper in his ear that Lazio will never forget him. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family, football and the world have lost a great man.
