After Liverpool Benfica. About three months after the final diagnosis was revealed, Sven-Goran Eriksson was feted in the middle of the Stade da Luz during the break from the reception on Thursday against Marseille – The date was chosen symbolically, as a reminder of the 1990 European Cup semi-final match against France, which secured qualification to the final of the competition.
Hours before the match, The Swedish coach began to surprise with a number of players he coached during his two spells at Benfica – First between 1982 and 1984 and then between 1989 and 1992, he won three championships, the Portuguese Cup and the Super Cup, in addition to reaching two European finals between the 1990 European Cup, which he lost to Milan, and the previous one, the 1983 UEFA Cup, which he lost to Anderlecht. .
Reunited with Mr. Erickson! ❤️#E PLURIBUS UNUM pic.twitter.com/j6ggcPsI9v
– SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) April 11, 2024
After thousands of fans who were at the Estádio da Luz on Thursday at the time of the opening whistle, applauded him and thanked them for their affection from the presidential stand, Sven-Goran Eriksson took to the field to be greeted by a guard of honor consisting of former players – They wore T-shirts related to the two periods in which he coached Benfica, while the screens showed the best images of the coach’s legacy. Accompanied by Toni and Humberto Coelho, Rui Costa joined the various Red legends and presented a souvenir to the Swedish coach.
“It's so beautiful! I'm crying. All the best to Rui Costa and all the Benfica fans. Thank you to all the Benfica fans. Thank you all,” Erickson said, as Luz gave him a standing ovation. The historic coach was surrounded by, among others, Rui Aguas, Antonio Veloso, Carlos Manuel, Diamantino and Alvaro Magalhaes, in addition to Toni and Humberto Coelho. A banner was raised on the seats that read: “Since 1982 and forever.”
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– SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) April 11, 2024
Before the opening whistle, Sven-Goran Eriksson had already thanked Benfica for the gesture. “It's very beautiful, thank you so much Benfica! I've been with the old players. I'm very emotional, and I never expected to feel what I felt. Let's support Benfica. I hope Benfica gets a positive result.” I've never forgotten Benfica, Benfica is a huge team. It's a big one in Europe and the world. There are many memories. “All the fans want Benfica to win, I came to support them.”
The time has come: Eriksson will be honored in Luz for Benfica's match against Marseille
