Inside Sven-Goran Eriksson's hometown: stars descend on tiny municipality with population of 4,000 for former England manager's funeral
- Sven-Goran Eriksson sadly lost his battle with pancreatic cancer last month
- He spent his final days in the small Swedish town of Torsby, where he grew up
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The small Swedish town of Torsby briefly became the centre of attention on Friday as former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson was laid to rest.
Eriksson tragically passed away aged 76 on August 26 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, with countless tributes paid to the Swede.
He had revealed in January that he had 'best case a year' to live following his diagnosis and was surrounded by his family as he died.
A number of big names were present at the funeral at Fryksande Church in Torsby on Friday, including former England captain David Beckham.
The tiny town, which has a population of just over 4,000, is where Erikkson grew up and spent his final days.
The Fryksande Church in Torsby hosted the funeral of Sven Goran-Eriksson on Friday morning
Former England manager Eriksson sadly lost his battle with pancreatic cancer last month
The municipality is a scenic one with a luscious green landscape, mountains and a beautiful lake surrounding the main residential area.
The likes of fellow former England manager Roy Hodgson and ex-Three Lions captain David Beckham flew in to Karlstad Airport on Thursday, the latter arriving via a private jet.
However, the majority of those in attendance at the service were locals.
One of those is the Swede's old friend Bengt Berg, who told The Mirror: 'Sven was a big star in football, but he wasn't a big star when he came back here. He was very ordinary and human.
'He was humble and never forgot his roots. They were very important to him and I think they helped him in his career.'
Police were anticipating anywhere from 500 to a few thousand residents to make their way to the 10am service at the church, which has a capacity of 600.
There was also be a big screen outside so those who didn't make it inside could watch.
The streets around the stunning building were closed off with priest Ingela Alvskog, also a close friend of Eriksson's, undertaking the ceremony.
A New Orleans jazz style funeral procession followed with a brass band leading the former manager's coffin to the grounds of the Kollsberg museum close by.
There were then more speeches given on a stage flanked by a wooden Amphitheatre and Lake Fryken, something Eriksson had a great love for.
Eriksson's favourite band Sven-Ingvars will also set to perform before a group of around 150 invited guests enjoyed some of the food the ex-England boss loved most.
Torsby is a small town surrounded by a beautiful green landscape as well as lakes and streams
It is a mountainous region with breathtaking views, perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors
David Beckham's private jet was pictured arriving at a nearby airport on Thursday
Beng added: 'It will be mournful in the church, but the procession will be different. He wanted it to be like a carnival and to be joyful.
'There will also be popular well-known songs at the event on the stage, including by the band Sven Ingvars, who will perform.'
Eriksson's last days were spent at his remote mansion estate, which sat on the banks of the lake, where he has asked for his ashes be scattered.
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