Soccer legend Sven-Goran Eriksson's brave cancer battle: Former coach vows to 'fight until the end' with only a year to live
7:39 AM EST, January 25, 2024
Accompanied by his partner Yaniseth Alcides and his daughter Lina, Sven-Goran Eriksson appeared at the Swedish sports gala at the Friends Arena in Stockholm. The gracefully dressed, 75-year-old Eriksson candidly posed for pictures, not shrinking from the camera's gaze.
The former coach didn't simply mingle with the other attendees; he delivered a speech to the audience before presenting the "Leader of the Year" award. After his heartfelt speech, he received a warm round of applause.
"Due to his innovative thinking and pioneering strategies in football, Sven-Goran has made a significant contribution to Swedish football. Thus, it was incredibly poignant that we had the chance to honor him," said Thomas Ravelli, the former goalie for the Swedish national team.
Public opinion was deeply affected in January when Sven-Goran Eriksson confessed that he only had a year to live due to an incurable cancer. He declared that he would fight until the end, determined to relish life to the fullest in his final days.
"It's clear to everyone that I have a terminal illness, and people assume it's cancer, which is true. However, I'll continue fighting as long as I can. In the worst scenario, I have a few months left, but optimistically, it could be more than a year. The exact prognosis of the disease isn't definitive. It's healthier to avoid dwelling on it," said Sven-Goran Eriksson in an interview with P1 Swedish radio.
Eriksson has had a notable coaching career, guiding the national teams of England, Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines. As a club coach, his resume includes stints at Manchester City, Lazio, and Leicester City.