Former England team coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed that he is suffering from terminal cancer and has "at best case a year" to live.

Guangzhou Evergrande head coach Marcello Lippi (L) talks with Guangzhou R&F head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson prior to Chinese Super League match between Guangzhou R&F and Tianjin Teda at Yuexiushan Stadium on June 26, 2013 in Guangzhou, China. (xinhua)

75-year-old Eriksson made history in 2001 when he replaced Kevin Keegan to become the first foreign coach to take charge of the England team. He led England to two World Cup finals stages, in 2002 and 2006, with a 5-1 win away to Germany in September 2001, helping to make him a very popular figure.

"I have an illness that's serious. Best case a year, I have the worst case a lot less. It's impossible to say exactly, so it's better to not think about it," revealed Eriksson.

The Swede retired last year after a 43-year career in club management, which also saw him coach clubs such as Benfica, Manchester City, Lazio and Chinese clubs Shanghai SIPG and Shenzhen.

He also had spells in charge of Mexico, Cote d'Ivoire and the Philippines national teams.

Eriksson said he was trying to "make something good" from his illness.

"You try to trick the brain, it's too easy to succumb and become negative and get stuck at home. Better to try and see positives and not give in during hard times," he commented.

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