Sven Goran-Eriksson Reflects on Affair with Ulrika Jonsson in New Documentary: “Probably I Was Stupid
Sven Goran-Eriksson, the former England football manager, has opened up about his past affair with TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson in a candid new documentary. The 76-year-old, who was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer last year, reflects on his life, relationships, and ongoing battle with the illness in the Amazon Prime documentary titled Sven.
Eriksson was England’s manager in 2002 when the affair with Jonsson took place, overshadowing the team’s preparations for the World Cup in Japan and South Korea. At the time, Eriksson was in a relationship with Nancy Dell’Ollio, a saga that added considerable tension to his personal and professional life, told GB News.
In the documentary, Eriksson admits that the affair was a mistake, calling it “stupid,” but he also defends his actions, insisting that he “didn’t do anything criminal” because neither he nor Jonsson were married. “Sex is one of the good things in life for all of us. She was not married. I was not married,” Eriksson explains. “Probably I was stupid but I think I didn’t do anything criminal. I didn’t really disturb anyone.”
He also touches on his relationship with Nancy, describing the tension that often surrounded their life together. “She loved it. The tension. She was a lady from the upper classes in Rome. She liked to go out with important people,” Eriksson recalls. “It was not peace in my house always.”
Nancy Dell’Ollio also shares her perspective in the documentary. She reveals that she initially wanted to leave Eriksson after discovering the affair but ultimately decided to stay. Reflecting on their relationship, she says, “The first impression that I had about Sven, people in power always have extra, extra sex appeal. I fell in love.”
Nancy also describes herself as the “first lady of English football,” a role she cherished during their time together. “We were Sven and Nancy since the first date. I was the first lady of English football and there was never going to be another one after me,” she states. Despite the affair and its fallout, Nancy admits, “The stupidity of Sven. After Sven’s first scandal, I wanted to leave him… My lawyers said give him another chance but think what you can get from this.”
The documentary also delves into Eriksson’s current battle with cancer. He speaks openly about coming to terms with his diagnosis while continuing to fight for more time. “Whoever it was said ‘life is too short’ is right,” Eriksson reflects. “I had a good life, maybe too good. You have to pay for it. I think we all are scared of the day when it’s finished when you die. You have to learn to accept it for what it is.” Sven offers a poignant look at Eriksson’s life, his regrets, and his determination to face his challenges with courage.