They came together in joyous celebration of a life well lived at the tiny Swedish village where it all began 76 years ago.
And David Beckham paid a touching tribute to his former boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, laying his hand on his coffin. The former Three Lions captain shed a tear as he joined more than 1,000 mourners for the funeral at Torsby, where Sven grew up – to become a true gent of football.
But while any farewell is sad, this was full of happy memories, music and a carnival-style procession, as Sven had planned it.
Becks, 49, was joined by Sven’s children Lina, 37, and Johan, 45, his dad, also Sven, 95, long-term partner Yaniseth Alcides, 54, and former girlfriend Nancy Dell’Olio, 63. Former England manager Roy Hodgson was also in the congregation at the neo-gothic style Fryksande church. Italian Nancy broke down as she told fellow mourners: “He will always be with me. He will always be a part of me.”
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The service was led by priest Ingela Alvskog. As hundreds of others watched on screens outside, she set the celebratory tone by singing a poem and sparking laughter when she told how Sven began wearing suits in his teens and skipped homework to read detective novels.
Ingela, 64, added: “Sven-Goran was genuinely kind. He was a loving father, but not good at shopping. He was not too interested in dancing either, but became proficient at salsa.”
She said his loved ones have “so many beautiful memories” and added: “He brought so much joy and a lot of laughter. Sven was mentally strong, even in adversity. He had a will of iron and never gave up. In spite of his illness, his last few months have been full of life.”
The service included performances of Frank Sinatra’s My Way, Dean Martin’s Volare and the Rod Stewart hit Sailing. Soloist Charlotta och Johan Birgersson sang Candle in the Wind, with adapted lyrics about Sven’s beloved Lake Fryken, where he said he wants his ashes to be scattered.
His coffin was surrounded by six giant candles, a photo of him and floral tributes. The 60-minute service ended with Sven’s loved ones, including his dad and Yaniseth, laying red and white roses on the casket.
But the celebrations continued with a New Orleans-style procession through Torsby’s streets. It was led by a brass band that performed a number of the boyhood Liverpool fan’s favourite songs, including You’ll Never Walk Alone and Bare Necessities from Disney film The Jungle Book.
The cortege arrived at an amphitheatre overlooking Fryken, where guests enjoyed speeches and more music. They included a solo rendition of La Vie En Rose by Yaniseth’s sister Yomira John, 57. She said Sven, nicknamed Svennis, had personally requested it while planning the event after he was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.
His close pal Bengt Berg, 78, gave a eulogy. He said: “A few months ago we stood here at this spot and welcomed spring. We had many shared memories from here and our youth.” Bengt told how Sven fulfilled his dream of becoming a manager for clubs such as IFK Goteborg and Manchester City, and international teams – including as England’s first foreign boss. But he said he “remained Svennis... from Torsby”.
Looking down at his coffin, Bengt added: “People marvelled at your ability to look on the bright side of life. You were both ordinary and unique. That is why you were so loved.”
Sven’s favourite band, Sven-Ingvars, had mourners clapping and singing along to their hits. Lina brought the celebration to a close. She said: “He didn’t want a sad funeral. He wanted people to gather to celebrate his life, full of joy, music and happiness.
“In dad’s words, ‘Don’t be sorry, smile, take care of yourself and take care of your life and live it. Because life is beautiful.’”
Bengt said Becks told him “he was pleased to be here”, adding: “He felt it was a fine goodbye for him. It all worked out exactly as Svennis wanted it.”
After a wake, Sven was cremated. His family will scatter his ashes at a later date.
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