'Love never truly fades': Nancy Dell'Olio pays tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson despite 'ups and downs'

Italian lawyer Nancy Dell’Olio paid tribute to her former partner Sven-Goran Eriksson, who died on Monday of pancreatic cancer.

Dell’Olio was one of many who paid tribute to the former England manager who died aged 76.

Writing on Instagram, the 63-year-old, who was in a relationship with Eriksson from 1998 to 2007, said she chose to “remember the good times” despite their relationship having its “ups and downs”.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my ex-husband, Sven,” the social media post, which was accompanied by various images of the pair, said.

“Though our relationship had its ups and downs, I choose to remember the good times we shared and the moments that brought joy to our lives.

“I will always hold onto those cherished memories and extend my deepest condolences to his family, as well as his beloved children, Lina and Johan.

“When you love someone, that love never truly fades. Rest in peace, Sven. You will be missed.”

The statement was later edited, swapping husband for “ex-partner” as the pair never married.

Their nine-year relationship received a huge amount of press attention while Eriksson was in charge of the Three Lions.

It hit headlines when the Swede had affairs with TV personality Ulrika Jonsson and Football Association secretary Faria Alam.

Read more:
Eriksson’s England era became a celebrity circus
Beckham reveals former England manager’s final words to him

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Writing in The Sun weeks before his death, fellow Swede Jonsson described Eriksson as “chivalrous and, in his heart, he was a kind man”.

She said they met in 2002 and bonded over their homeland and football, but there was “no great passionate affair”.

In his 2013 autobiography, Eriksson admitted he had other lovers including a singer and former gymnast from Romania and a Swedish woman who worked for Scandinavian Airlines.

“To be the England manager you must win every game, not do anything in your private life and hopefully not earn too much money,” he later said of his time in the England hot seat and accompanying pressures.