Sven-Goran

Growing up, my hero was Sven-Goran Eriksson. As a young boy in Greece, I would spend hours watching him play for Sweden and Manchester United. He was a brilliant midfielder, with an uncanny ability to control the tempo of the game.

Off the field, Eriksson was known for his calm demeanor and his ability to get the best out of his players. When he was appointed manager of the England national team in 2001, I was over the moon. Finally, I would get to see my hero up close and personal.

Eriksson's time with England was a mixed bag. He led the team to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup, but they failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup. However, he did help to develop some of England's most talented young players, such as Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard.

In 2006, Eriksson left England to manage Manchester City. He spent four years at the club, winning the FA Cup in 2011.

Eriksson is now retired from management, but he remains one of the most respected figures in football. He is a true legend of the game, and I am grateful for the memories that he gave me as a young boy. If you ever get the chance to meet him, be sure to shake his hand and tell him that he is the reason why you love football.

One of my favorite memories of Eriksson is from the 2002 World Cup. England was playing Brazil in the quarterfinals, and the game was tied 1-1 in the dying minutes. Eriksson brought on Darius Vassell, a young striker who had never played for England before.

Vassell scored the winning goal in the 90th minute, and England went on to reach the semifinals. It was a moment of pure joy for me, and I will never forget it.

Thank you, Sven-Goran, for the memories. You are a true legend.

• Eriksson was a brilliant midfielder who played for Sweden and Manchester United.
• He was appointed manager of the England national team in 2001.
• He led England to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup.
• He helped to develop some of England's most talented young players.
• He won the FA Cup with Manchester City in 2011.
• He is now retired from management.