Legendary Swedish-born coach Sven Eriksson, 76, continues to face the countdown of his life with resilience after publicly revealing that he is suffering from pancreatic cancer. He has shown remarkable courage and optimism in his many public appearances, talking openly about his condition.
Last June, Eriksson shared a heartwarming interaction with David Beckham in The Daily Telegraph, where Beckham honored and blessed him by gifting him with six bottles of his prized 1948 vintage. Now, in The Guardian, Eriksen continues to write with candor and authenticity about his battle with pancreatic cancer. "I try not to think about death", he admits, but he chooses to be brave in the face of life's fragility.
As the first foreign manager in England's history, Eriksson led the Three Lions through numerous glories and challenges between 2001 and 2006. He shared in a British newspaper about his life in Sweden and his perseverance and fortitude while undergoing chemotherapy. He still maintains his love for soccer, even during his illness, he never forgets to watch the Olympics and Europa League matches, in his words, "It's an obsession, a poison."
Concerned about the future of English soccer, Eriksson spoke warmly of the immense pressure the new manager will face and spoke highly of his predecessor, Gareth Southgate: "He did great things for England and that can't be taken away." At the same time, he pointed out England's long-standing problems, "England always have the same problems and I think it's more of a psychological problem than a technical or tactical one."
Reflecting on his coaching career, Eriksson humbly said, "I don't know if I'm a good coach, but if there's one thing I'm good at, it's creating a good atmosphere in the club." He also shared an anecdote with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, showing his unique influence in English soccer.
Today, Erickson is enjoying every moment of his life, stating bluntly, "So far, I'm a healthy patient. To say that I'm not afraid of death is, I think, a lie. But I will try not to think about it." The soccer legend has inspired countless people with his story, teaching us how to remain resilient and optimistic in the face of adversity.
