Sven-Goran Eriksson's final days detailed by ex-England manager's closest confidant - The Mirror

Tord Grip was the long-time confidant of Sven-Goran Eriksson, his No.2 during the Swede's tenure as England manager, and remained one of his closest companions until Sven's death on Monday

There are few people who knew Sven-Goran Eriksson better than his long-time No.2.

For much of Sven's legendary coaching career, during his spells in England with the Three Lions, and then Manchester City, Leicester City plus his lll-fated stint at Notts County, not to mention the latter part of his life, Tord Grip was his closest confidant.

Grip, now 86, told The Mirror at the weekend that Sven should be remembered as "the most successful coach and mentor that Sweden has ever seen''.

But he also revealed just how quickly the ex-England managers health was failing him, and how the battle with pancreatic cancer - which Sven revealed would kill him at the start of this year - was taking its toll: "In the last few weeks he was getting rapidly worse. The last time I spoke to Svennis was last week. He was tired but we talked as usual. But then yesterday morning I spoke to his father. Svennis was sleeping then."

Sadly, the former England chief passed away on Monday morning at the age of 76.

Since becoming ill, Sven spent almost all of his time at home in Sunne in Sweden. There he would take walks to look over the water at Lake Fryken but became too ill in his final week to go. One of his favourite places, it may be where his ashes are scattered.

In Sunne, he reconnected with his family, including son Johan and daughter Lina. They released a statement on Monday, which read: "Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Bjorkefors outside Sunne this morning. He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but not it came to an end.

"Our thoughts go out to Sven-Goran's father Sven; girlfriend Yaniseth and her son Alcides; to his brother Lasse and wife Jumnong, as well as to all good friends and acquaintances in Sweden and around the world.

"Dad told us at the beginning of this year about his serious illness and received an amazing response from friends and football fans around Europe. He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. They shared their love for football and for dad. It was unforgettable for both him and us.

“He expressed his appreciation and joy and stated that such beautiful words are usually only uttered when someone has died.

"We have shared his gratitude and got to experience the wonderful meetings between him, football and all his friends. We thank everyone for these positive memories and your support during his illness.

"We hope that you will remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was in both public and at home with us. Lina and Johan Eriksson."

Prince William, president of the Football Association labelled Sven "a true gentleman of the game" in his tribute.

The Prince of Wales said: "Sad to hear about the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson. I met him several times as England manager and was always struck by his charisma and passion for the game. My thoughts are with his family and friends."

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, announcing the FA would pay tribute to Sven at England's next home match, added: "This is a very sad day. He gave all England fans such special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven's guidance.

"Sven will be rightly recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game.

"On behalf of my colleagues at The FA, past and present, our thoughts are with his friends and family today. He will be much missed, and we will pay tribute to him when we play Finland at Wembley next month."

Hasse Backe, who worked with Sven at Manchester City, Notts County and also in Mexico, said: "You can never prepare for news like this. It takes time to digest. My best time as a coach was with him at Manchester City.

He taught me a lot about leadership and how he paid attention to everyone and how everyone was seen. He was very humble and generous. He built teams by getting everyone pulling in the same direction.

"There is no Swedish coach who comes anywhere near him and there is no one in our lifetime who will come close to having a CV like his."

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