FAREWELL, GAFFER: EMOTIONAL DAVID BECKHAM PAYS TRIBUTE TO SWEDISH COACH SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON AT FUNERAL

Former England captain David Beckham has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who passed away last week at the age of 76.

In an emotional speech delivered at Eriksson's funeral in Sweden, Beckham spoke of his admiration for the Swedish coach, who managed England from 2001 to 2006.

“Sven was a great manager, but more importantly he was a great man,” Beckham said. “He always had time for his players, and he always believed in me.”

Beckham recalled how Eriksson gave him his England debut in 2000, and how he helped him to develop into a world-class player.

“I owe Sven a lot,” Beckham said. “He was a father figure to me, and I will never forget what he did for me.”

Eriksson's funeral was attended by his family and friends, as well as a number of former players and managers.

In addition to Beckham, other former England players who attended included Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, and Frank Lampard.

Eriksson was a popular figure in English football, and his death has been met with great sadness.

He will be remembered as one of the most successful managers in England's history, and for his role in helping to develop some of the country's most talented players.