David Beckham is among the mourners at Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral on Friday, with around 600 guests paying tribute to the former England manager.
Eriksson’s funeral is in his hometown of Torsby and those unable to gain entry to The Fryksande church will be able to watch the ceremony on a big screen.
Eriksson wrote: “I would like people to remember me as a decent coach who tried to do his best. I hope they enjoyed me being their manager. My message to everyone would be: don’t give up. Never give up.
“Do not give up, is my message for life. And please don’t forget this: life is always, always to be celebrated.”
Former captain David Beckham, who led England under Eriksson at three major international tournaments, was in attendance as well as other members of the team from 2001 to 2006 when the Swede managed the side. Beckham was pictured hugging Eriksson’s former partner partner Nancy Dell’Olio inside the church.
Eriksson’s coffin arrived at Fryksande church at around 7am local time, long before the arrival of any of the 600 guests who are expected to be present. A single bell tolled as his body was carried into the church.
Members of Sweden’s royal family are also expected to be in attendance, with roads surrounding the church in the small town where Eriksson grew up cordoned off by police.
Among those to arrive early were Eriksson’s father and children as well as a childhood friend of the former Lazio and Benfica coach, Bengt Berg.
“I’m very happy and very sad at the same time,” he said. “But it’s fantastic to see him returning to his first point. It’s a very curious feeling.
“He’s one of us and we share his glory. But when he returned here, he was just one of the hot-dog eaters.”
Eriksson died at the age of 76 in August, eight months after revealing he had terminal cancer.
Beckham wrote at the time: “Sven, thank you for always being the person you have always been, passionate, caring, calm and a true gentleman.
“I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain.”
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***The Telegraph reports:***
David Beckham is among the mourners at Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral on Friday, with around 600 guests paying tribute to the former England manager.
Eriksson’s funeral is in his hometown of Torsby and those unable to gain entry to The Fryksande church will be able to watch the ceremony on a big screen.
Eriksson wrote [a final *Telegraph Sport* column](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/09/12/sven-goran-eriksson-final-message-always-celebrate-life/) reflecting on his life and his family gave permission for it to be published on Thursday before his funeral.
Eriksson wrote: “I would like people to remember me as a decent coach who tried to do his best. I hope they enjoyed me being their manager. My message to everyone would be: don’t give up. Never give up.
“Do not give up, is my message for life. And please don’t forget this: life is always, always to be celebrated.”
Former captain David Beckham, who led England under Eriksson at three major international tournaments, was in attendance as well as other members of the team from 2001 to 2006 when the Swede managed the side. Beckham was pictured hugging Eriksson’s former partner partner Nancy Dell’Olio inside the church.
Eriksson’s coffin arrived at Fryksande church at around 7am local time, long before the arrival of any of the 600 guests who are expected to be present. A single bell tolled as his body was carried into the church.
Members of Sweden’s royal family are also expected to be in attendance, with roads surrounding the church in the small town where Eriksson grew up cordoned off by police.
Among those to arrive early were Eriksson’s father and children as well as a childhood friend of the former Lazio and Benfica coach, Bengt Berg.
“I’m very happy and very sad at the same time,” he said. “But it’s fantastic to see him returning to his first point. It’s a very curious feeling.
“He’s one of us and we share his glory. But when he returned here, he was just one of the hot-dog eaters.”
Eriksson died at the age of 76 in August, eight months after revealing he had terminal cancer.
Beckham wrote at the time: “Sven, thank you for always being the person you have always been, passionate, caring, calm and a true gentleman.
“I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain.”
**Full story:** [**https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/09/13/sven-goran-eriksson-funeral-david-beckham-torsby/**](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/09/13/sven-goran-eriksson-funeral-david-beckham-torsby/)
Sven, you’ll always have my respect for
Ulrika-ka-ka-ka
Fair play when she was in her prime
The man was a top quality shagger