I'll fight as long as can. I won't wallow in adversity. I appreciate every day

FORMER England boss SvenGoran Eriksson revealed that he has terminal pancreatic cancer but vowed to "fight as long as I can".

- ANDY LINES

The football legend, 75, said he may have less than a year to live and "appreciates every day".

The Swede became the first foreign manager to take charge of the national side and, over five years from 2001, took England to two World Cups and a Euros.

He managed England's Golden Generation, including the likes of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard. The team's 5-1 demolition of Germany in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers is still a high point for many England fans.

But he also sparked controversy.

His decision to let wives and girlfriends stay near the players in the 2006 World Cup led to chaotic scenes.

And his high-profile relationships with Italian lawyer Nancy Dell'Olio, Swedish TV star Ulrika Jonsson and FA secretary Faria Alam made him even more widely known.

STROKE

Yesterday on Swedish radio he spoke of his condition: "Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good. Everyone guesses it's cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can."

When asked what the prognosis is, he replied that he has "maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer. You can't be absolutely sure. It is better not to think about it".

Eriksson was told last year he had incurable pancreatic cancer after he had a stroke and collapsed on a 5k run.

His news was met with a tide of support from former clubs and players.