Ex-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, 75, steps down from role after health scare

Sven-Goran Eriksson has sparked major fears about his health after stepping down from his job in Sweden.

The former England boss has been sporting director at Karlstad Fotboll since last December.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has stepped down from his position as a sporting directorGetty

But Eriksson, 75, has now taken a back seat amid serious concerns about his wellbeing.

He told Karlstad’s website: “I have chosen to limit my public assignments for the time being, due to health problems which are under investigation.

“Now I will focus on health, family and limited assignments for Karlstad Fotboll among others.

“I thank you for all the support from friends and football contacts, and ask you to respect my decision and my privacy.”

The Swede’s lawyer Anders Runebjer told Swedish paper Aftonbladet that neither he, Eriksson or his family would reveal details about the health concerns.

Runebjer said: “He has a disease, and that means he has limited powers to be the ‘Svennis’ we are all used to seeing.

“That’s the way it is.  But at the same time he wants to do as much as he can with football – if he can’t do so he gets bored.”

Eriksson first joined third-tier Karlstad a year ago as an advisor.

He spent five years as Three Lions boss before stepping down in 2006, and went on to manage Manchester City and Leicester.

The Swede also coached Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Lazio, as well as the Mexico and Ivory Coast national sides.

Eriksson left his job as Philippines national boss in 2018.

Karlstad announced: “We wish ‘Svennis’ a speedy recovery, and ask everyone to respect his privacy.”