Ulrika Jonsson has called her former lover Sven-Göran Eriksson “not a decent person” as she broke her silence after he revealed he died of terminal cancer.
The 56-year-old TV presenter shared a short post on Instagram on Thursday evening after the 75-year-old former England coach publicly shared the devastating news.
Sharing a throwback photo of herself on her Stories, she insisted she “had nothing to say” about Sven, branding him “not a decent human being” in an accompanying caption.
The post – which has since been deleted – said: “Look at me so young.” So. PPE. I can't say anything about Sven. #nada. Not a decent human being.' (sic)
Earlier in the day, Ulrika was seen in public for the first time since Sven's diagnosis was announced as she visited the shops in Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
Ulrika Jonsson has broken her silence after her former lover Sven-Göran Eriksson revealed he had died of terminal cancer (pictured in her first sighting since announcing his diagnosis).
On Wednesday, Sven tragically revealed he fears he only has a year to live after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer following a fall and five “small strokes” last year.
The 56-year-old TV host shared a short post on Instagram on Thursday evening in which she said she had “nothing to say.” She has since deleted the post
Sven had been working with Italian lawyer Nancy Dell'Olio for three years when they moved to England for his job as team manager.
But at the beginning of 2002 he began an affair with his Swedish compatriot Ulrika.
She later wrote of her affair: “Continuing my pursuit of love, I took a short break to fumble under the covers with almost 60-year-old Sven-Göran Eriksson.”
“Do you remember him, the former England football manager?
“Yeah, I try to forget it too, because sex was about as exciting as building an IKEA bookshelf, which inevitably makes my argument convincing to a younger man.”
Sven's ex Nancy also spoke out after his “devastating” diagnosis and admitted that she had no idea how bad he was feeling.
Lawyer Nancy, who had a 10-year relationship with Sven, said she “knew he was ill” but had no idea of his devastating condition.
The glamorous Italian, who left her husband Giancarlo Massa to become a coach, was a fixture at his side and appeared with him at several tournaments.
Nancy, 62, who is in Italy following the recent death of her mother, said: “I didn't think 2024 would start with more bad news.” I knew Sven was sick but it hurts so much to hear that.
Sven had been with Nancy Dell'Olio (pictured) for three years when they moved to England for his job as team manager. But at the beginning of 2002 he began an affair with Ulrika
On Wednesday, Sven said how he was trying to “cherish every day” after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer following five “small strokes.”
“It's a really negative moment.” My mother died in September and I can't cope with this loss. It's like having an open wound that doesn't heal but just keeps getting worse. Sven's announcement was devastating.
“I knew he wasn't feeling well, but I really heard his words. 'Life can be cruel.'
On Wednesday, Sven tragically revealed he fears he only has a year left to live after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer following a fall and five “small strokes” last year.
Speak with BBC World Service Sporting Witnesshe said, “Well, I thought I was perfectly healthy, but all of a sudden I got a stroke, little strokes, so I'm falling.”
“My children took me to hospital and after a day of examinations they told me I had had five small strokes but that it was OK. They said no problem, you will recover 100 percent from this.”
“But what's worse is that they said you have cancer that we can't operate on, and we will give you treatment and medication to help you live as long as possible.”
“But I have this diagnosis and they can’t operate on it.”
“I think when you get a message like that, you appreciate every day and you're happy when you wake up in the morning and feel good. “So that's what I do.”
He also spoke to Swedish radio station P1 and said: “Everyone understands that I have a disease that is not good.” Everyone suspects it is cancer, and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.'
When asked about the forecast, he added that he had “a year at best, a little less at worst, or maybe even longer at best.” You can't be completely sure. It's better not to think about it.
There was speculation about his health after he left his job as sporting director of Karlstad in his native Sweden. On Thursday he revealed that he collapsed after a run last year and realized he was seriously ill.
He said, “It's not good.” Everyone suspected it was cancer, and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can.
“But you can trick your brain. “See the positive in things, don’t wallow in adversity, because of course that’s the greatest adversity, but make something good out of it.”
Sven told P1 that he suddenly collapsed during the 5 km run.
After a visit to the doctor, it turned out that Sven had suffered a stroke and also had cancer.
He said, “You don't know how long I had cancer, maybe a month or a year.”
The football manager was England coach between 2001 and 2006. Sven pictured with David Beckham after being eliminated in the quarter-finals by Portugal at the 2006 World Cup
In his illustrious managerial career, Sven was boss of IFK Göteborg, Benfica, Roma, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio, Manchester City and Leicester City.
He also managed Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines.
During his five years in charge of England, he became the most famous football manager in the world.
Between 2001 and 2006 he led the so-called “golden generation” of stars, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, but never won the major trophy expected.
He received his tragic diagnosis almost exactly 22 years after he resigned as Lazio coach earlier than expected to take up his coaching role with England.