England legends send heartbreaking messages to Sven-Goran Eriksson as former Three Lions boss battles terminal cancer
A NUMBER of England players who starred under Sven-Goran Eriksson have sent heartfelt messages to him after he revealed his cancer battle.
Eriksson, 76, revealed in January he had “at best a year” to live after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.
Ahead of England‘s clash with Brazil tomorrow evening, he was shown a set of videos from some of the Three Lions stars who played under him in an interview with Channel 4 at his home in Sunne, Sweden.
TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole, 42, was first in the tributes, recalling a heartwarming story from when he scored against Northern Ireland.
The former Chelsea star said: “I just wanted to wish you all the very best and say thank you for all the memories and all the help in my career, making my dream come true playing for England at a World Cup twice.
“I remember I scored against Northern Ireland and you came over after the game and said to me with a glass of wine or champagne in your hand, “finally, you’ve become a complete player.”
“I was buzzing, it’s always nice to hear that from the manager.”
Eriksson, who managed England between 2001 and 2006, then heard from ex-Manchester United star Paul Scholes, who said: “I just wanted to say it was an absolute pleasure to play for England for you.
“Obviously we should have won something and done a little bit better than I actually did for you but I just wanted to say: ‘Hello Sven, I hope you’re doing okay and all the best for the recovery.'”
2001 Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen said: “I hope this finds you in good spirits, I hope you’re keeping fine and I hope you’re enjoying the current England team who are doing so well and, of course, we’re all looking forward to the European Championship in the summer.”
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who will be managed by Eriksson as he fulfils a lifelong ambition of managing the Reds in their legends match with Ajax this weekend, said: “I just wanted to send you my best wishes, send you my love and support.
“I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately and I’m really looking forward to seeing you next week as you’re the gaffer at Anfield. It will be really special.
“I’m just trying to get the body in good condition so I can last the 90 minutes!”
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said: “I’m just sending you all my best wishes and thank you for all the support you gave me whilst with England. I’d love to be able to see you soon.”
Owen Hargreaves added: “I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ for everything you did for me throughout my career, for believing in me when a lot of people didn’t.
“You actually changed my career and changed my life in so many ways.
“So I just wanted to say ‘thank you’, your support meant so much to me and I just wanted to wish you all the best. Lots of love, stay strong.”
Eriksson appeared genuinely touched by the videos, calling them: “Fantastic”, before thanking commentator Steve Bower who was conducting the interview.
He added: “Say thank you to all of them.”
Watch England v Brazil from 6pm live on Channel 4, tomorrow.