"Svennis" Laid to Rest – Beckham in Attendance

He wanted people to be happy. But Friday is a day of mourning in Värmland's Torsby as football legend Sven-Göran Eriksson is buried in Fryksände church. 600 guests, including celebrities like David Beckham, are in place to remember one of Sweden's most successful coaches.

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"Svennis" Laid to Rest – Beckham in Attendance
Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

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The coffin was carried into the red-brick church early on Friday morning.

Sven-Göran Eriksson, who passed away almost three weeks ago due to pancreatic cancer, is being laid to rest in his hometown of Torsby.

His wish was for the ceremony to be a folkloric and joyful occasion – with New Orleans jazz and some songs from Sven-Ingvars' catalog.

The pews were filled with family and friends, people from all over Värmland, but also some well-known names that "Svennis" had met during his long coaching career.

Just before 9 am, son Johan and daughter Lina Eriksson arrived at the church, followed by 95-year-old father Sven Eriksson.

About half an hour later, former soccer star David Beckham arrived and joined other well-known soccer personalities such as Roy Hodgson, Glenn Hysén, Kim Källström, Glenn Strömberg, and Håkan Mild.

"Svennis"' partner, Yaniseth Alcides, ex-wife Anki Eriksson, and his former partner Nancy Dell'Olio have also taken their seats in the church.

He wanted a party, but it's hard for us to be in a party mood. But we'll do our best to lift the sorrow and gloom, says author and childhood friend Bengt Berg.

Many flower arrangements have arrived earlier, including one from "Svennis"' former club Lazio, where he won both the Italian league and the Cup Winners' Cup. The inscription reads "Il Presidente".

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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