SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has revealed David Beckham recently spent the day with him at his Bjorkefors farm and brought along “six litres of wine” from dates which hold a special meaning to him.
Eriksson went public in January with his terminal cancer diagnosis and admitted the “best case” scenario was that he had a year to live.
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Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson enjoyed a heart-warming day with David BeckhamCredit: AP
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During an interview with Radio Sweden’s P4 Varmland channel the 76-year-old reflected with great pride on the visit of former England captain Beckham to his farm outside Sunne.
Eriksson said: “He came with six litres of wine from dates that were important to me.
“He had wine from 1948 – the year I was born, very nice of him. He is genuine, he could have been a big diva, but he is quite the opposite.”
Beckham also had wine from 1982, the year Eriksson won the UEFA Cup with IFK Goteborg.
And also brought a bottle from 2000, which was the season when he guided Lazio to the Serie A title.
Eriksson continued: “He ate herring and potatoes and elk meat.
It confirms, in a way, how great he is. He didn’t have to come here. I felt proud that he came.
Sven-Goran Eriksson
“The previous day he had sent a chef who fixed the food, and then he came and was here for a day. We sat chatting, a lot about football.”
Eriksson, who managed England for five years before leaving after the 2006 World Cup, stood down from his role as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad last year.
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He managed a wealth of English talent, including Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups as well as at Euro 2004.
Eriksson was able to fulfil a lifelong dream of managing Liverpool when he was given the opportunity to oversee the Liverpool Legends team against Ajax in March.
Eriksson, who is a boyhood Liverpool fan, led the side to a 4-2 comeback victory at Anfield.
England stars wishes for Sven-Goran Eriksson
Joe Cole
TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole, 42, was first in the tributes, recalling a heartwarming story from when he scored against Northern Ireland.
Cole 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.”
Paul Scholes
Scholes said: “Hello Sven, I hope you’re doing okay and all the best for the recovery.
“I just wanted to say it was an absolute pleasure to play for England for you.”
Michael Owen
2001 Ballon d’Or winner 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.”
Steven Gerrard
In January, Liverpool legend Gerrard 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 playing under you at Anfield in March. It will be really special.”
Gary Neville
“I’m just sending youall 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.”
Eriksson declared he has pancreatic cancer earlier this year on Swedish radio station P1.
The Swedish icon revealed how he sought medical help after he suddenly collapsed while going on a 5km run.
After consulting doctors, he was told he had suffered a stroke and had incurable cancer.
He told P1: “Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.
“Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.”
When asked about the prognosis, Eriksson said he has “maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer”.
