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Tributes Pour in for Sven-Göran Eriksson
The football community is mourning the loss of Sven-Göran Eriksson, a respected figure whose influence spanned across several clubs and national teams. Eriksson, who transitioned from a successful managerial career in club football to leading the England national team, has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Micah Richards, who debuted for England shortly after Eriksson’s departure, recalled his experiences under Eriksson during his time at Manchester City. “His man-management was unparalleled, and it allowed me to reach my peak performance,” said Richards, who is now a pundit with the BBC. He concluded his thoughts with a heartfelt message: “Thank you for everything, Sven.”
Similarly, goalkeeper Joe Hart, who was instrumental in Manchester City’s rise during Eriksson’s tenure but did not get to play for England under him, described Eriksson as “so lovely to be around.” In an interview on the Monday Night Club, Hart shared, “He was a lovely man with immense power and influence, possessing a unique charm that made an impression on all of us.” He expressed gratitude for Eriksson’s caring nature and deep concern for the well-being of his players. “He truly cared about us as individuals,” Hart emphasized.
Former Leicester City keeper Kasper Schmeichel also expressed his sorrow over Eriksson’s passing, stating he owed a great deal to the coach. Schmeichel, who made his Premier League debut under Eriksson and was later signed by him at both Notts County and Leicester, reflected, “Sven was the first manager who believed in me and gave me a chance at the top level. He called me world-class and made me feel I could achieve anything.” Schmeichel went on to achieve remarkable success, including winning the Premier League with Leicester City in 2016. He recognized Eriksson’s pivotal role in his career, saying, “It is a profound loss for both football and the world, and I want to thank him for everything he did.”
Inter Milan’s current manager Simone Inzaghi, who played under Eriksson at Lazio during their Serie A title win in 1999-2000, expressed deep sorrow over Sean-Göran Eriksson’s passing. “His loss is a significant pain for me,” Inzaghi stated. He acknowledged Eriksson’s impact on his personal and professional growth, noting, “He exuded calmness and had immense respect for everyone. He was a constant source of inspiration.” Inzaghi concluded with a poignant remark, highlighting Eriksson’s life lessons: “He taught us to embrace life fully, even in the face of adversity.”
As tributes continue to emerge from around the world, it’s clear that Sven-Göran Eriksson’s legacy will resonate through the lives he touched both on and off the pitch.
Source
www.bbc.com