Sven-Goran Eriksson's heartbreaking final message before his death

The popular former England manager has died following a battle with cancer

Sven-Goran Eriksson delivered an emotional final message, aired just days before his death aged 76. The former England manager's family confirmed his death on Monday, sparking a flood of tributes from the football world and beyond.

It comes just days after the release of an Amazon Prime documentary on his life in which a philosophical Eriksson said goodbye. The Swede, who managed the England men's team between 2001 and 2006, announced earlier this year he was suffering with pancreatic cancer and had a year "at best" to live.

His words are now even more poignant following news of his passing. Speaking on the Amazon documentary, Eriksson said: "I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well.

READ MORE: Tributes to former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson as cause of death revealed

"You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully, at the end people will say, 'yeah, he was a good man', but everyone will not say that.

"I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don't be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it's been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it. Bye."

Eriksson managed the likes of David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard in what is widely regarded as one of the best England teams of all time. His time is charge was associated with painful major tournament defeats to the likes of Brazil and Portugal as England's wait to emulate the heroes of 1966 went on.

Prince William, who is President of the Football Association, and Keir Starmer have led the tributes to the man who was fondly known simply as 'Sven' to many inside and outside the game. Prince William and Kate Middleton said on X: "Sad to hear about the passing of Sven-Göran 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. A true gentleman of the game."