Tribute to former coach with terminal cancer moves in Italy

The Luigi Ferraris Stadium, in Genoa, Italy, was the scene of an emotional tribute this Sunday (5/5). The arena is home to Sampdoria and the game against Reggiana, which ended in victory for the hosts, had a special moment. Thus, former coach Sven-Göran Eriksson entered the pitch and received the applause of the fans and greetings – one by one – from the players and coaching staff of the club he led between July 1992 and June 1997.

The reason for the commotion is the Swede’s health. At 76 years old, Eriksson doesn’t know how much time he has left to live. But everyone imagines it won’t be long. After all, he suffers from cancer that has already reached the terminal stage.

Eriksson was also honored in Liverpool

The tribute to Eriksson at the Sampdoria stadium is yet another emotional moment among many that the former coach has experienced in the final stretch of his illness. Thus, the Swede seeks to make his still pending dreams come true, with the help of friends and admirers from the world of football.

On March 23 of this year, for example, Eriksson fulfilled an old wish: to command Liverpool. It was in a charity friendly with Ajax, at the Anfield stadium, in the city of Liverpool, the home of the Reds. At the invitation of coach Jurgen Klopp, who found out about his professional partner’s dream, Eriksson had the chance he had longed for to be in front of the English club’s players.

Coaching career lasted 42 years

Born on 5/2/1948, in Torsby, Sweden, Eriksson had his entire career dedicated to training players. Thus, he started in his own country, in 1977, commanding Degerfors. Until 2019, when he retired from activity, he coached 12 teams in Europe and Asia. Additionally, he coached four national teams: England, Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines.

At Sampdoria, where he received tribute this Sunday, Eriksson was champion of the Italian Cup in 1993/1994.

Today’s game between Sampdoria and Reggiana ended 1-0 for the home team. The goal came in the 16th minute, scored by Neapolitan Sebastiano Esposito.

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