David Beckham's touching gesture as he arrives at Sven-Goran Eriksson's funeral
The funeral of former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson took place in his home town of Torsby in Sweden on Friday morning
David Beckham has honoured the memory of Sven-Goran Eriksson, attending the funeral of the former England manager in his hometown of Torsby, Sweden on Friday. The ex-England captain made the journey by private jet earlier in the week to ensure he could pay his respects in person.
Upon arrival, former Manchester United midfielder Beckham shared a heartfelt moment with Eriksson's family, embracing them before the ceremony began. He was seen giving Eriksson's daughter Lina a tender kiss on the cheek after alighting from a silver Mercedes people carrier at Fryksande church, reports the Mirror.
Inside the church, Beckham continued to offer his support, hugging Sven's former partner Nancy Dell'Olio, as they prepared to celebrate the life of the much-loved manager. Beckham had previously expressed his deep respect for Eriksson, writing: "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.
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"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'".
Roy Hodgson also attended the service to commemorate Eriksson, after the former Manchester City boss sadly lost his fight with pancreatic cancer last month. Earlier this week, the England national team paid their respects to their former manager at Wembley, with a round of applause echoing around the stadium before Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Finland.
Anticipation was building for a large turnout at Friday's commemoration. Funeral adviser Christopher Jansson reflected: "I think there will probably be as many standing outside the church as there will be inside. Sven was so popular."
Eriksson's elderly father, also bearing the name Sven, was among those present. The 95-year-old joined the assemblage of family members ahead of the proceedings. A New Orleans-style send-off was planned for Eriksson on Friday, with his coffin set to be escorted from Fryksande church to his ancestral home by a brass band.
Following the announcement of Eriksson's passing, Dell'Olio, his former partner, took to Instagram to express her sorrow: "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."
She continued: "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."