Wayne Rooney leads tributes to the late Sven-Goran Eriksson
The football world is mourning the loss of Sven-Goran Eriksson the former England manager who passed away on Monday at the age of 76. Among those paying tribute is Wayne Rooney who described Eriksson as a “special man” and credited him with shaping his early international career.
Sven-Goran Eriksson – A lasting impact on English Football
Wayne Rooney who made his England debut under Eriksson in 2003 expressed his sorrow on X, writing, “Rest in peace, Sven. A special man. Thanks for the memories and all your help and advice.”
Eriksson had famously labelled Rooney as the “golden boy of English football” when he took charge of the national team.
Other notable tributes came from Michael Owen who described Eriksson as “one of the very best,” and Frank Lampard who said, “He was an absolute gentleman and was always there for you on and off the pitch.”
Lampard credited Eriksson for giving him trust and support during his England career, sentiments echoed by many of Eriksson’s former players.
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Remembering Sven’s Legacy
Sven-Goran Eriksson managed England for 67 matches leading the team through three major tournaments. His calm demeanour and charm were widely respected and his influence extended far beyond the pitch.
David James who became England’s first-choice goalkeeper under Eriksson, remembered him as a “gentleman, a great human being and a great manager.”
Tributes also poured in from Eriksson’s former clubs including Manchester City, Leicester, and Notts County, all of whom expressed their condolences. Manchester City announced that flags around the Etihad Stadium would fly at half-mast in his honour.
Eriksson’s legacy in football is marked not only by his success on the field but also by the deep respect and affection he garnered from those who knew him.
As former FA executive David Davies noted Eriksson was known for his “charm, politeness, intelligence, and immense kindness.” His passing leaves a significant void in the football community but his contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come.