Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TT, Tommy Pedersen/TT
When “Svennis” was buried on Friday, many eyes were directed towards world star David Beckham, who was present.
After the ceremony, the English footballer was praised for his behaviour.
– Completely surreal, he is an icon on so many levels, says Sven-Ingvars singer Oscar Magnusson, who performed at the funeral, to VF.
Sven-Göran Eriksson career as a football coach was unparalleled. He became Swedish champion and UEFA cup champion with IFK Göteborg, Portuguese champion and cup champion with Benfica, Italian cup champion with AS Roma and Sampdoria. Furthermore, he is immortalized in the pale blue of Rome after winning Serie A, the Cup Winners’ Cup and the Italian Cup with Lazio. In addition, he was national team captain for England, Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines.
Got to know David Beckham
During his time in the English national team, “Svennis” got to know the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star David Beckham49. He also made him team captain for the “Three Lions”.
The fact that Beckham attended “Svenni’s” funeral last Friday probably surprised some. Despite the fact that the megastar greeted his former coach and mentor in Värmland just over a month ago, many suspected that he would not make the effort to get to Värmland once more to say goodbye to Sven-Göran. But how wrong they were. Beckham was by far the most famous person present at Fryksände church in Torsby.
– Totally surreal, he is an icon on so many levels. But at the same time he seems to be an extremely ordinary guy and I really believe that Svennis had a great importance for him there. Just this humility, says Oscar Magnusson to VF.
Beckham showed great empathy in the church and went to greet Sven-Göran’s 95-year-old father Sven and the children Johan and Lina. In addition, he hugged a crying one Nancy Dell’Olio (“Svenni’s” ex-girlfriend) and comforted her. He behaved like a true gentleman and showed great humility.
Lived in Sven-Ingvar’s suite
During his stay, he also checked into the Stadshotellet in the middle of central Karlstad – he stayed in the Sven-Ingvars suite – instead of staying at a manor house several miles away. He was praised for the way he acted so “ordinarily” without showing any divalats.
He also walked around and talked freely with the other guests, for example the Sven-Ingvars singer Oscar Magnusson. The Värmland band performed both at the funeral and at the memorial service afterwards. They exchanged a few words with each other.
READ MORE: Sven-Göran Eriksson’s last wish in life is denied – therefore the rules put an end to his plan: “You may not…”
– I asked him how the room was, and told him that it is named after our band. And he just: “Oh, really?”. He looked exhausted. And he clapped all the time when we played, I think we are his new favorite band now. If we were “Svenni’s” favourites, maybe we will also be his?, says Oscar Magnusson.
David Beckham is truly a professional at the tips of his fingers. He showed that, not least here, where he behaved like a completely ordinary person and not an unworldly, egotistical megastar.
Rest in peace, Sven-Göran. There are many of us who think of you and miss you.
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