Swede lived life to full on and off pitch

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON deserves to be remembered as a terrific football manager.

- JOHN CROSS

But it is the sense of fun, the twinkle in his eye, which really defines him as one of the game's greatest characters.

And, believe me, that is also how he would want to be remembered. Laughter, jokes and personality.

My favourite Eriksson quote - and there are many to choose from - has to be: "Don't be sorry, smile."

That sums him up.

And it fits perfectly into today because, looking back on his life, he had an absolute blast.

He was 76 when he died.

Aged at the end by cancer, but still enjoying life to the full. I'm so happy he got the love, the appreciation and the warmth he deserved while he was still alive.

Sometimes it comes too late. But his decision to go public on his terminal diagnosis meant that football came together - and few are loved as much as Sven was.

The tribute that Liverpool gave him by honouring his lifelong wish of managing a Reds team at Anfield was just brilliant. But it also underlined how many people loved him.