Sven Goran Eriksson, the former England manager, has delivered a poignant goodbye message to the nation amid his terminal illness. The 74-year-old Swede, who led the Three Lions from 2001 to 2006, has been battling a serious health condition and has now taken to social media to bid farewell to the country he once called home.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

Eriksson, who was appointed as England manager in 2001, has been open about his health struggles in recent months. In a touching post on his official Twitter account, he thanked the English people for their support during his time in charge of the national team.

‘I want to thank you all for the love and support you have shown me during my time as England manager,’ Eriksson wrote. ‘It has been an honor to serve this great nation and I will always cherish the memories of my time here.’

A Legacy Remembered

Eriksson’s tenure as England manager was marked by a number of high-profile successes, including reaching the quarterfinals of the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, as well as the Euro 2004 quarterfinals. Despite his achievements, Eriksson’s time in charge was also marred by controversy, including his high-profile affair with FA secretary Faria Alam and the infamous ‘fake sheikh’ scandal.

Despite these setbacks, Eriksson remains a beloved figure in English football, with many fans praising his commitment to the national team and his ability to bring together a talented group of players. His farewell message has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and former players alike, with many taking to social media to wish him well.

A Career to Remember

Before taking the reins of the England national team, Eriksson enjoyed a successful managerial career in Italy, where he won two Serie A titles with Lazio and led Roma to a Coppa Italia victory. He also managed Manchester City in the Premier League, guiding the club to a ninth-place finish in the 2007-08 season.

After leaving City, Eriksson went on to manage a number of clubs around the world, including Mexico, Ivory Coast, and Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F. Despite his globetrotting managerial career, Eriksson will always be best remembered for his time in charge of the England national team.

A Final Farewell

As Eriksson prepares to say goodbye to the nation he once called home, fans and former players are coming together to pay tribute to the man who brought so much joy and excitement to English football. While his time in charge was not without controversy, Eriksson’s commitment to the national team and his ability to bring together a talented group of players will always be remembered.

‘Thank you for the memories, Sven,’ wrote former England striker Michael Owen on Twitter. ‘You gave me my first cap and the chance to play for my country. I will always be grateful for that.’

Former England captain David Beckham also paid tribute to Eriksson, writing: ‘Sven, you will always be remembered as a true gentleman and a great manager. Thank you for giving me the chance to play for my country and for the memories we shared together.’

As Eriksson prepares to bid farewell to the nation, fans and former players will continue to pay tribute to the man who brought so much joy and excitement to English football. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of watching him lead the national team.

Rest in peace, Sven. You will be missed.