What emotion in Torsby for the funeral of Sven Goran Eriksson. At the funeral ceremony in the church of Fryksandeo, reserved for two hundred people including family and friends, were the members of the Swedish Royal Family and a large part of the football world: David Beckhamone of the iconic players of the England team trained by the manager between 2001 and 2006, Roy Hodgson representatives of several of his former clubs. Also present was a delegation from Lazio.
Six hundred people attended the funeral in the streets of the village where the great Swedish coach grew up, who died on August 26 at the age of 76, eight months after announcing the diagnosis of an incurable disease. A final farewell softened by a lot of music according to Eriksson's wishes.
The coffin was covered with white flowers and surrounded by six candles and other wreaths. “It is a day of pain but also of gratitude,” he said Ingela Alvskog who officiated the religious function. Then the procession with the coffin preceded by a musical orchestra.
Eriksson gave his final words to the Telegraph, a reflection on life and an invitation to always believe in it fully, published on the eve of the funeral. “I would like people to remind me of how a good coach who tried to do his best. I hope they appreciated the fact that I was their technician. My message to everyone is: don't give up. Never give up. It is a message for life, life is always there and must always be celebrated“.
A celebration of life that Eriksson also wanted to instill in his funeral ceremony characterized by the presence of a lot of musicHe wanted a “happy” funeral, his daughter Lina said, “with lots of music, humor and celebration. He wanted a party“.