PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Sven-Göran Eriksson is to be immortalized with a bronze statue.
Now the coaching icon’s last wish for the monument is revealed.
And it is the most wonderful detail that will adorn the statue.
Monday August 26 fell asleep Sven-Göran Eriksson in after a long battle against an incurable cancer. He was 76 years old and will be remembered as one of Swedish football’s greatest profiles.
“Svennis” gets a statue
It was at the beginning of the year that “Svennis” announced to the outside world that he had suffered from a cancer that could not be treated and the news that he had less than a year left to live. Since then, tributes from the football world have poured in for the Swedish coaching icon and a very special tribute has begun.
The article continues below.
After his death, Eriksson will be honored with a statue of his own. In October, a bronze statue will be unveiled at Svennis Torg in Torsby, Värmland.
Sven-Göran’s will
The sculptor Hanna Beling has been commissioned to create the monument to be cast in bronze.
– He sits down, slightly leaning forward, and holds up one arm. It should look as if he is on the bench and participating in a match, she tells Aftonbladet and admits that Svennis has been allowed to participate in the work.
– It was his opinion that he wanted to sit.
READ MORE: The childhood friend’s poignant words about the last meeting with Sven-Göran Eriksson: “I am convinced that he…”
It was in May that Beling was commissioned to immortalize Sven-Göran Eriksson and early in the process she met the icon in Torsby.
– I asked for a suit and a pair of shoes that he has coached in, so that it would be as accurate as possible, she says in the interview.
– He was enthusiastic when I explained all the steps, but it was enthusiasm in his calm way. When I sent pictures of the sculpture, he responded encouragingly.
During the work on the statue, Svennis had one last wish, which Hanna Beling will respect and fulfill after his death.
– The emblem on the breast pocket should say Torsby. It was his idea, because he thought it was fun. So now it will be like that, says the sculptor to the evening newspaper.
Rest in peace, Svennis! 🌹
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