Beckham flew to Sweden to share one last drink with his manager
David Beckham attended the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson in Sweden this morning as stars of the footballing world flocked to pay tribute to the former England manager.
Eriksson died of cancer age 76 two weeks ago. Beckham was one of 600 people in attendance at the service in the Swedish town of Torsby.
Beckham, who captained England under Eriksson, shared a strong friendship with his manager and that relationship continued to blossom off the pitch.
Two months ago, the former England manager who took charge of the Three Lions between 2001 to 2006, revealed that Beckham had visited him on his farm just outside of Sunne after finding out that his cancer was terminal.
Beckham brought him wine so they could share one last drink together.
In an interview with Radio Sweden’s P4 Varmland channel 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 brought wine from 1982, the year Eriksson won the UEFA Cup with IFK Goteborg and 200, the year he won the Serie A title with Lazio.
Eriksson continued: “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. It confirms, in a way, how great he is. He didn’t have to come here. I felt proud that he came.”
The football icon, who also had stints managing Manchester City and Leicester City, was surrounded by his family when he passed away at the end of August.
Beckham paid tribute to his friend at the time writing: “We laughed, we cried & we knew we were saying goodbye. Sven thank you for always being the person you have always been: passionate, caring, calm & a true gentleman.
“I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain but I will forever hold these last memories of this day with you and your family. Thank you, Sven, and in your last words to me: ‘It will be ok’.”
Also in attendance was former Crystal Palace and England boss Roy Hodgson, ex-Liverpool defender Glenn Hysen and ex-Arsenal player Kim Kallstrom.
