Nancy Dell’Olio refers to ex-partner Sven-Goran Erikkson as her ‘husband’ as she pays tribute after his death with previously unseen photos and says ‘our relationship had its ups and downs but I’ll remember the good times’

Sven Goran Eriksson’s former lover Nancy Dell Olio has paid tribute to the former England manager after he died on Monday morning at the age of 76 from pancreatic cancer.

The 63-year-old lawyer and the Swede previously dated for ten years and were thought never to have married, but Nancy called him her husband when she looked back on their years together.

The glamorous Italian – who left her husband Giancarlo Massa for the coach – was a constant at his side and was photographed with him at several tournaments.

Nancy posted a loved-up photo of herself on Instagram, showing her sitting on Sven’s lap with his arms around her.

In the caption, she wrote: ‘It is with a heavy heart that I must share the passing of my ex-husband, Sven. Although our relationship had its ups and downs, I choose to remember the good times we shared and the moments that brought joy to our lives.

‘I will always cherish those fond memories and extend my deepest condolences to his family and his beloved children, Lina and Johan.

“When you love someone, that love never really goes away. Rest in peace, Sven. You will be missed.”