The first step back in almost a year. In February, Sven-Goran Eriksson left football for “health reasons”. Today's reveal: “I have terminal cancer. I can slow it down but I can't operate on it. I have a year to live.”. The former Lazio coach, the last person capable of winning a trophy with the Biancocelesti, is 75 years old. Never exaggerating, with a smile on his face, Eriksson spent his life with the ball by his side, and was also the England national team coach during his career. “Everyone understood that I was unwell, and they imagined it was cancer, which it is. I have to fight as much as I can”; He explained to Swedish Radio P1 (this is the interview audio). The diagnosis leaves little room for hope: “At best, I have one year left, at worst less than that. In fact, no one can be sure, it is better not to think about it. You can somehow trick your mind, think positively and see things in the best way, and not get lost in adversity, because obviously this is the greatest of all time, but you can still get something good out of this experience.
The disease was discovered by chance: “I was completely healthy, then I collapsed, fainted, and ended up in the hospital. After the medical consultation, I discovered that I had had a stroke and that I actually had a tumor. I don't know how long, maybe a month, maybe a year. It turned out I had cancer but I had run five kilometers the day before. It came out of nowhere, and it shocks you. I don't feel much pain. But I was diagnosed with a disease that you can slow but cannot cure. So, it is what it is.”
Eriksson was the sporting director of Swedish club Karlstad until February last year. Then he resigned for health reasons. “I'm having tests, and I have to dedicate myself to my health and my family,” he said.
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