LOUNGING by the pool at 10am, Didi Hamann was taken aback to see Sven-Goran Eriksson approaching with a bottle of champagne and two glasses on a silver tray.
Manchester City were on an end-of-season tour after signing off the 2007-08 campaign with an 8-1 defeat at Middlesbrough in the Premier League and Eriksson knew his days at the club were numbered after they finished ninth.
When German midfielder Hamann asked what they were supposed to to be celebrating, Sven broke into that disarming smile and announced: "Life, Kaiser. We are celebrating... life."
If bubbles at 10am was a classy gesture by a man awaiting his summons to the meet the firing squad, it was in keeping with his charm.
Even when it came to an end as he led England to three quarter-finals at successive major tournaments, the Three Lions' first nonEnglish manager accepted his fate with remarkable equanimity.
Sven-Goran Eriksson, who died yesterday aged 76 after a long illness, may not have been the greatest England coach since Sir Alf Ramsey, but he was the most dignified.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MISSION: POSSIBLE
Walter's got the Tigers roaring again thanks to winning run
Pass the ball not the buck
UNITED STARS SHOULD KEEP RUUD OPINIONS TO THEMSELVES
MUCH BATTER
Crawley's fit and ready to let rip on return
Boffs don't know glass from elbow
SPOONS TIM BEER FURY
Rooms with a woooo!
'HAUNTED' HOUSE BACK ON MARKET
PHONE MESSAGING DOING HEADS PING
146 alerts a day getting in way of working
KEY JOBS FOR CAR THIEVES..
Crooks car firm 'insiders'
£200k owl found
31-YEAR HUNT FOR BIRD OVER
Crutches Nick: I can't quickstep
KNOWLES OUT WITH KNEE INJURY
SuperCONic
SCAMMERS SELL FAKE TICKETS TO BAND'S U.S GIGS