Oporto Sports director, Dean Eldredge, has released the following statement after the passing of our client, Sven-Göran Eriksson, earlier this morning:
“I am devastated at the news of Sven’s passing today.
“We met in October 2010 when he was appointed as manager of Leicester City Football Club, and I was working as the club’s communications consultant. From day one, he was polite, thoughtful and caring; a true gentleman to work with.
“After his departure from Leicester, I continued to work with Sven as Oporto acted as his UK PR agency, a relationship which saw us arrange and oversee hundreds of media interviews and appearances, and throughout it all, it was never too much trouble for him.
“The culmination of that work has seen the documentary of his life, Sven, launched on Amazon Prime last Friday, and superbly made by Whisper; a fitting final chapter to his public life.
“Personally, I loved every minute of working with Sven. The work was always a pleasure, and that relationship we built became a friendship. I will miss the calls from Sven, even in more recent times, to ask me how a former player of his was doing, how those that had moved in to coaching were finding the adjustment, how old friends he hadn’t seen were keeping. That was the real essence of Sven, a man who led a remarkable life, who always showed time for others.
“There will be countless anecdotes and memories over the coming days and weeks. I will remember him as a brilliant football manager, who won major trophies across Europe, and managed across the globe, who was loved by his players and contemporaries alike. Above all else though, I will remember his kindness. He took a chance and trusted me to work with him, when I was just a kid, with little experience, and he gave me experiences I never thought possible. I can never repay that faith he showed and the journey our company went on, in no small part because of him.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. His loss will be felt so strongly by them, but hopefully over time, the special memories will outweigh the grief they are feeling.
“Thank you, Sven. Thank you for the life lessons, the fun and adventures, for allowing me to live my own dream, for your kindness, your time, and for your friendship. You will be missed, but never forgotten.”
