Eriksson, 76, revealed in January that he had pancreatic cancer and is approaching the end of his life, with a 'best case' scenario seeing him only have a year left to live.
Speaking at the end of a new Amazon Prime documentary about his life, called 'Sven', the former Three Lions boss gave a final message to former players, coaches and supporters.
His message was set over the landscape of the Swedish countryside near his home in Sunne, Sweden.
'I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well,' Eriksson says.
'You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.
'I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do.
'Don't be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it's been fantastic.
'Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.'
The film then pans back to Eriksson in his home, with the former England manager concluding his message with 'bye.'
The documentary sees Eriksson reflect on his time as England boss and his cancer diagnosis.
Gazing over at a peaceful lake in his Swedish homeland, Sven-Goran Eriksson feels an inner calm amid the turmoil of his pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
And the 76-year-old tells how the still waters could be his final resting place – before he goes on to deliver a poignant goodbye message as his time on Earth nears its end.
Sven says: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.
“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it. Bye.”
The emotional moment is the climax of an incredible new Prime Video documentary in which former England manager Sven reflects on his life and an incredible football career that took him across the globe, winning an army of fans along the way. He also fulfilled his dream of managing Liverpool, taking charge of the Reds for a legends game against Ajax in March.
The Swede enjoyed a hugely successful managerial career, coaching the likes of Benfica, Lazio, Man City, Leicester City and Roma.
He also led England between 2001 and 2006 and was famously the first ever foreign coach to be in charge of the Three Lions.
Eriksson's personal life often made headlines during his time as England manager, with his affairs becoming the subject of much public attention.
His high-profile relationship with glamorous socialite lawyer Nancy Dell’Olio was frequently in the spotlight, along with his flings with TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson and FA secretary Faria Alam.
A Life of Success and Scandal
Sven-Goran Eriksson's career has been a rollercoaster ride of success and scandal. He has managed some of the biggest clubs in Europe, led England to the World Cup, and even had a brief stint as director of football at Notts County. But his personal life has also been the subject of much public scrutiny.
Eriksson's most famous affair was with Ulrika Jonsson, a Swedish TV presenter. The affair caused a major scandal at the time and led to the breakdown of Eriksson's relationship with his long-term partner, Nancy Dell'Olio. Eriksson also had a fling with Faria Alam, the FA secretary, which led to her losing her job.
Eriksson has been open about his mistakes, admitting that he was “stupid” to have cheated on Dell'Olio and Alam. However, he has also said that he doesn't regret his actions and that he doesn't believe he did anything criminal.
Facing His Mortality
Eriksson's cancer diagnosis has forced him to confront his mortality and has given him a new perspective on life. He has said that he is grateful for the time he has left and that he is trying to make the most of it.
Eriksson has also said that he has learned to appreciate his family more since his diagnosis. He has spent much of his time in his Swedish home, surrounded by his loved ones.
In the documentary, Eriksson speaks about the lake near his home in Sweden, where he hopes to have his ashes scattered. He says: “I always thought it’s a great place to sleep. The ashes could be thrown into the water here. It feels like home.”
Eriksson's final message to his supporters is one of gratitude and acceptance. He says: “I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it. Bye.”
A Legacy Remembered
Eriksson's legacy is a complex one. He is remembered as a successful manager, but also as a man who made mistakes. However, his honesty and vulnerability in the documentary have earned him new respect and admiration from many.
Eriksson's story is a reminder that life is precious and that we should all cherish the time we have. It is also a reminder that even the most successful people are human and that we all make mistakes. But it is through our mistakes that we learn and grow.
Despite his terminal illness, Eriksson is still optimistic about the future and is determined to live life to the fullest. He has said: “I know life will not last for ever. But I am OK.”
A Farewell to a Football Legend
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s career was a tapestry of triumph and tribulation. He conquered the world of football, inspiring legions of fans, yet his personal life was intertwined with public scandals. Though his time on the pitch may be coming to an end, his legacy, forever intertwined with the 'Golden Generation' of English football, will continue to inspire. Now, as he faces his final days, he leaves behind a powerful message of acceptance and gratitude, reminding us that life, even with its complexities, is a gift to be cherished.
