DON'T BE SORRY..SMILE

Sven's motto sums up life lived to the full

- John Cross

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

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

And that is also how he would want to be remembered - for jokes, laughter 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. It fits perfectly because, looking back on his life, he had an absolute blast.

Eriksson was 76 years young when he died.

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

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

The tribute that Liverpool gave him by honouring his lifelong wish to manage a team at Anfield in a legends game in March was brilliant.

I had the thrill of covering England throughout his reign as head coach. During that time I was often on back-page duty - and there were certainly a few headlines in I those five years.