Wayne Rooney has urged Sven-Goran Eriksson to keep fighting after the former England manager revealed he has terminal cancer.
Eriksson, 75, fears he has another year to live, or at worst slightly less, after last year’s bombshell diagnosis.
‘Everyone understands that I have a disease that is not good. Everyone suspects it’s cancer, and it is. But I have to fight as long as possible,” he told Sweden’s P1 radio station.
Rooney led the tributes to Eriksson after the news.
‘Sad news this morning. Our thoughts are with Sven Goran-Eriksson and his family,” Rooney said.
‘A brilliant coach and a special person. Loved and respected by all.
‘We all support you Sven, keep fighting.’
Eriksson played a key role in Rooney’s career as the Swedish coach handed the striker his international debut in 2003 at the age of 17.
He later came into Rooney’s defense after being sent off in the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals against Portugal.
“He’s the golden boy of English football, so don’t kill him,” Eriksson said after the match.
In a glittering managerial career, Eriksson was boss of IFK Göteborg, Benfica, Roma, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio, Manchester City and Leicester City.
He also managed Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines.
But while in charge of England for five years, he became the most famous football manager in the world.
Between 2001 and 2006 he managed the so-called ‘golden generation’ of stars such as David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, but never won the expected major trophy.
‘Sending our love, Sven’ was posted on England’s social media accounts after Eriksson revealed his diagnosis.
Man City, which was managed by Eriksson between 2007 and 2008, was among his former sides to send messages of support.
“Everyone at Manchester City is thinking of Sven-Göran Eriksson and we would like to express our collective support to our former manager and his family and friends during this time,” Man City wrote.
‘We are all saddened to hear the news of former Leicester City manager Sven-Göran Eriksson’s diagnosis. We all support you, Sven,” wrote Leicester City.
UEFA, European football’s governing body, added: “The whole of European football supports you, Sven.”