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Legendary soccer icon told he has “at best a year to live”

<p>In a heart-wrenching revelation, former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, at 75 years of age, has disclosed that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.</p> <p>Speaking to a Swedish radio station, Eriksson candidly shared the news, stating that he has "at best a year" to live. Despite the grim prognosis, the decorated football icon is determined to fight and maintain a positive outlook on life.</p> <p>During the radio interview, Eriksson acknowledged the severity of his illness, recognising that the speculation surrounding it was indeed cancer, while emphasising the need to focus on the positive aspects of life.</p> <p>“Everyone guesses it’s cancer and it is," he said. "But I have to fight as long as I can ... It is better not to think about it. But you can trick your brain. See the positive in things, don’t wallow in adversity, because this is the biggest adversity of course, but make something good out of it.”</p> <p>The former manager revealed that his health concerns came to the forefront last February when he stepped down as sporting director at Karlstad Fotboll. Eriksson, who collapsed during a 5km run, consulted doctors, only to discover that he had suffered a stroke and had cancer. Reflecting on the uncertainty of the timeline, he shared, "They don't know how long I had cancer, maybe a month or a year."</p> <p>Eriksson's illustrious career in football spans both club and international management. Leading England's Golden Generation from 2001 to 2006, he guided the team to the quarter-finals in two World Cups and a European Championship. His tenure included coaching legendary players such as Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Michael Owen.</p> <p>In a poignant revelation, Eriksson admitted to his biggest regret during his time with England, expressing remorse for not bringing in a mental coach ahead of the 2006 World Cup. England faced a heartbreaking exit to Portugal in a penalty shootout, marking a pivotal moment that haunts him to this day.</p> <p>Eriksson's managerial journey took him across the globe, starting in his native Sweden and then making a name for himself in Italy with Sampdoria and Lazio. After managing Manchester City and returning to international football with Mexico and Ivory Coast, he had a brief stint with Leicester before venturing into the emerging Chinese Super League. His career concluded in 2019 with the Philippines national team.</p> <p>Eriksson's revelation about his terminal cancer diagnosis marks a poignant chapter in the life of a football icon. As he faces this formidable challenge, his resilience and positive mindset serve as an inspiration.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Fiery debate erupts over news reporters’ risqué outfit choice

<p>A fiery debate has erupted over a Belgian journalist and a former pro cyclist, when he made a crude comment towards a young female reporter’s clothing choice while covering the Vuelta a San Juan in Argentina.</p> <p>Former pro cyclist Sven Spoormakers referred to the reporter’s low-cut top after taking a screenshot of her interviewing one of the riders for television, asking in Dutch: “Is it cool in Argentina?”</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.4992025518341px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7834244/firestorm-over-clothing-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ab48e546884b4172810c54d2768d4cef" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>The young female reporter was working on the Vuelta a San Juan in Argentina.</em></p> <p>The response was bitter and fiery after numerous fans and pundits condemned him for allegedly sexually objectifying the young reporter.</p> <p>Australian journalist Sophie Smith criticised Spoormakers on his remark, writing: “Seriously? Please tell me this is lost in translation and you did not just publicly objectify a young female reporter.</p> <p>“Speaking from experience, let me say she does the exact same job as you but has to work and withstand twice as much still because of bulls*** like this.”</p> <p>Spoormakers refused to back down from his controversial statement, however and shot back a fiery response:  “Objectify, really? Come on. Don’t draw the feminist card on this one. She knows exactly what she’s wearing – or not wearing – and why.</p> <p>“If I would interview a female athlete with my balls out, you’d be joking about it too. Or calling it a disgrace.”</p> <p>Smith then incredulously hit back: “So it’s her fault because you can’t stop looking at her boobs?</p> <p><em><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7834246/sven-spoormakers.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/34fbcdb2baf04d798507de56f5fc2288" /><br /></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Sven Spoormakers competing in the Amstel Curacao Race 2010.</em></p> <p>“What’s she meant to do, wear a potato sack so you don’t get excited?</p> <p>“If I take a picture of you at work, post it and comment on how small your d**k looks in a pair of shorts would you be all right with that?”</p> <p>British reporter Ned Boulting added his opinion to the conversation to lend his support, quoting one of Smith’s tweets and writing: “Over and over and over again, my female colleagues have to defend themselves from institutional disrespect.</p> <p>“I take your voice, Sophie, and I add mine.”</p> <p>Spoormakers’ tweets were also taken by upset fans, with one writing: “Mate, she’s wearing a top. That’s it. What’s the problem? Jesus Christ you’re a dinosaur.”</p> <p>Another added: “She isn’t exposed in any way Sven. You commented inappropriately as if her body is available for you to simply discuss. That’s objectifying her. Not cool.”</p> <p>While another person on social media added: “Absolutely frustrating. @SvenSpoormakers your comment is inappropriate.</p> <p>“We are more than the clothes we wear. If you can’t understand why your comment is inappropriate I suggest getting some training around sexism.”</p>

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