David Beckham's touching gesture as he arrives for Sven-Goran Eriksson's funeral
Ex-England captain David Beckham travelled to Sweden to be in attendance for the funeral of beloved former Three Lions boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, who died last month aged 76
David Beckham immediately paid his respects to the family of Sven-Goran Eriksson ahead of the ex- England boss' funeral.
The ceremony took place in Eriksson's home town of Torsby in Sweden on Friday. Former Three Lions captain Beckham flew to the country via private jet earlier this week in order to be in attendance.
And upon arriving he immediately embraced Eriksson's family ahead of the ceremony. After arriving at Fryksände church in a silver Mercedes people carrier, he walked over to Eriksson's daughter Lina and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Once inside the church, Beckham was pictured hugging Sven's ex-partner Nancy Dell'Olio on what promises to be a day of celebration for the beloved former manager.
READ MORE: Sven-Goran Eriksson funeral: Updates and tributes as ex-England boss laid to restREAD MORE: Watch Sven-Goran Eriksson funeral as tributes paid to former England bossWriting a tribute after Eriksson's death, Beckham said: “We laughed, we cried and we knew we were saying goodbye. Sven, thank you for always being the person you have always been – passionate, caring, calm and a true gentleman.
“I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain but I will forever hold these last memories of this day with you and your family... Thank you Sven and in your last words to me ‘It will be ok’.”
Beckham was joined at the service by Roy Hodgson. Eriksson passed away last month after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Pay your tributes to Sven-Goran Eriksson in the comments below
The England national team had paid tribute to their former boss at Wembley earlier this week. A round of applause took place at the national stadium ahead of Tuesday’s 2-0 win against Finland.
Many more mourners were expected to be in attendance during Friday's ceremony. Funeral adviser Christopher Jansson said: "I think there will probably be as many standing outside the church as there will be inside. Sven was so popular."
Eriksson’s father, also named Sven, was also in attendance. The 95-year-old arrived with fellow family members ahead of the ceremony.
Eriksson was due to have a New Orleans-style funeral on Friday. A brass band was set to lead his coffin the short walk from Fryksände church to his homestead.
Upon the news of Eriksson's death, his ex-partner Dell'Olio wrote on Instagram : "It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my ex-partner Sven. Though our relationship had its ups and downs, I choose to remember the good times we shared and the moments that brought joy to our lives.
"I will always hold onto those cherished memories and extend my deepest condolences to his family, as well as his beloved children, Lina and Johan. When you love someone, that love never truly fades. Rest in peace, Sven. You will be missed."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.