soran Erikson the legendary Football manager has passed away at the age of 76 he left us after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer surrounded by his loving family today we honor his incredible Life and Legacy reflecting on his journey his achievements and the profound Mark he left on the sport we all love Sven Goran Ericson was not just a football manager he was a Pioneer a Trailblazer who broke boundaries and led with a unique blend of calmness Authority and an unwavering love for the game born in son Sweden Erikson began his career far from the bright lights of European Football starting as an amateur player he soon transitioned into coaching at the young age of 27 a decision that would shape the future of football in ways few could have imagined Ericson's journey into football management began in the humble town of sun raised by a truck driver father svn's life was far from glamour but it was filled with determination his early days as a player were modest but it was his transition to coaching that set the stage for his future success at 27 Sven joined the Jers if as an assistant manager under the guidance of his friend toward grip it was here that Sven began to develop his philosophy a belief in discipline teamwork and the power of strategic Thinking by the age of 34 SN was already making waves in the football world he took the r TRS at IFK gorg where he led the team to a historic UFA Cup victory in 1982 this Triumph was not just a win for godor but a statement to the football World soran Erikson was a force to be reckoned with following his success in Sweden Ericson's career took him across Europe he became the manager of Portuguese Giants Benfica where he continued his winning ways securing two League titles and guiding the team to the UEFA Cup Final in 1983 his time at Benfica solidified his reputation as a top class manager and soon the biggest clubs in Europe were vying for his expertise sven's Journey continued in Italy where he managed Roma Fiorentina and later laio it was at laio where he achieved legendary status leading the club to one of the most successful periods in its history under Ericson's leadership laio won the serria title in 2000 along with the Capo Italia the UEFA Cup winners cup in the Italian super cup his ability to adapt to different football cultures and his tactical Brilliance made him one of the most sought after managers in the world [Music] in 2001 soran Erikson took on a role that would define his career in the eyes of many becoming the first foreign manager of the England national team this was a bold move by the Football Association and while it sparked controversy Erikson handled it with his trademark C his appointment was met with skepticism by sections of the British media but svin was UN phased he let his work on the pitch do the talking Ericson's tenure as England manager was marked by both challenges and triumphs he led England through two World Cups and a European Championship always maintaining his composure even when faced with intense scrutiny one of the most memorable moments of his career was England's stunning 5 to1 victory over Germany in Munich during a World Cup qualifier in 2001 this victory was a high point in svn's England career and one of the most celebrated moments in the nation's football history despite the highs Ericson's time with England was not without its difficulties he managed what was often referred to as England's golden generation a team filled with stars like David Beckham Steven Gerard Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney the pressure to deliver was immense and while England consistently reached the quarterfinals of major tournaments under his leadership the Ultimate Prize remained elusive beyond the tactics strategies soran Erikson was known for his Integrity compassion and respect for those around him former players often speak of his likability and how he created an environment where they felt valued both as athletes and as individuals Steven Gerard once said when svin walked into a room he made you feel comfortable he was calm collected and always had a kind word he was a manager who truly cared about his players and that made us want to give our best for him spin ability to manage Egos and Foster Unity within the team was one of his greatest strengths he understood that football was not just about tactics but about people he was a man who could bring together players from rival clubs instill a sense of camaraderie and get the best out of them on the pitch in January 2024 Erikson revealed to the world that he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer true to his character he faced this news with Incredible dignity choosing to spend his remaining time surrounded by family and friends in his final public appearances there was no trace of self-pity only Grace and gratitude he continued to live life fully his message was clear don't be sorry smile take care of yourself and your life and live it Ericson's battle with cancer was a testament to his strength and resilience despite knowing that his time was limited he remained positive focusing on the things that mattered most his family his friends and his love for football when Goran Erikson's impact on football was not confined to Europe his career took him around the world from Mexico to China and even the Philippines wherever he went Sven brought his unique style of management leaving a lasting impression on players and fans alike he was a true ambassador of the game always eager to share his knowledge and passion for football with others sven's Legacy extends far beyond the trophies and accolades he will be remembered as a Pioneer who paved the way for future generations of managers as a mentor who nurtured talent and as a gentleman who always carried himself with honor from the streets of sun to the Grand stadiums of Europe sven's Journey was one of passion resilience and an unwavering love for football following his passing tributes poured in from all corners of the football world [Music] the thoughts of everyone at the club are with svn's family and friends at this extremely sad time England's Prince William who had met Ericson several times during his tenure as England manager described him as a true gentleman of the game his words echoed the sentiments of many who knew svan a man of Charisma passion and unwavering dedication to football as we reflect on the life of Sven Goran Erikson we are reminded of The Incredible Journey he embarked upon a journey filled with challenges triumphs and countless memories Sven was more than just a football manager he was a man who touched the lives of so many both on and off the pitch his final message to the world was one of gratitude and positivity 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 these words encapsulate the essence of who Sven gor Ericson was a man who lived life to the fullest who faced adversity with Grace and who inspired others to do the same thank you for watching if Sven Goran Erikson touch your life in any way please feel free to share your thoughts and memories in the comments below let's keep his Spirit Alive by celebrating the incredible life he lived take care everyone [Music]