World Football Mourns the Loss of 'True Gentleman' Sven-Goran Eriksson at Age 76

Prince William paid tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson, describing him as a "true gentleman" following the former England manager's passing on Monday. Eriksson, who had been battling terminal cancer since January, passed away surrounded by his family. The 76-year-old Swede made history as the first foreign manager of England, leading the team to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002 and 2006, as well as the same stage at Euro 2004. Alongside his impactful five years with England, Eriksson had an illustrious career managing several top clubs and countries over his 42-year coaching career. As president of the English Football Association, Prince William had the opportunity to meet Eriksson on multiple occasions.

"Sad to hear about the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson. I met him several times as England manager and was always struck by his charisma and passion for the game," he wrote on X.

"My thoughts are with his family and friends. A true gentleman of the game."

Although Eriksson was unable to end England's wait for a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup, his teams produced several memorable performances, including a 5-1 rout of Germany in a World Cup qualifier in 2001.

"This is a very sad day. He gave all England fans such special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven's guidance," FA CEO Mark Bullingham said."

Bullingham added: "Sven will be rightly recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game. 

"On behalf of my colleagues at The FA, past and present, our thoughts are with his friends and family today. He will be much missed, and we will pay tribute to him when we play Finland at Wembley next month."

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After stepping down from the England job in 2006, Eriksson managed Manchester City in the 2007-08 season and the Premier League club joined the tributes to their former boss.

"We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sven-Goran Eriksson, who has passed away at the age of 76. Rest in peace, Sven," a City statement said.

Liverpool provided Eriksson with an emotional final football memory in March when they allowed the Swede to fulfil a life-long dream by managing them in a charity match at Anfield.

"Rest in peace, Sven-Goran Eriksson. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven's family and friends at this extremely sad time," Liverpool said in a statement.

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Eriksson was a title winner as the boss of Lazio and Benfica, also lifting the UEFA Cup and European Cup-Winners' Cup and reaching the European Cup final during a memorable career.

UEFA, European football's governing body, said: "On behalf of the European football community, everybody at UEFA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson. 

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"A beloved figure in the game, Sven was a UEFA Cup winner as coach of IFK Goteborg in 1982 before leading Lazio to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1999. Rest in peace, Sven."

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)