City confirm Sven's departure
02 Jun 2008 - 09:32:54
Manchester City have confirmed that Sven-Goran Eriksson has left the club by mutual consent less than 12 months after being appointed.
The former England manager guided the club to a top-half finish in the campaign just ended and led City on their post-season tour to the Far East even though it had been rumoured for several weeks that he was set to be axed.
Eriksson's future at the City of Manchester Stadium had been open to intense speculation after owner Thaksin Shinawatra revealed he was planning to review the management structure in place at the club following a disappointing second half to the Premier League season.
Several high-profile names, including that of recently sacked Chelsea boss Avram Grant, and Blackburn manager Mark Hughes have been linked with the post.
Eriksson has been linked with the managerial vacancy at his former club Benfica and also a job with the Mexico national side.
Eriksson told City's official website: "I have enjoyed my time at Manchester City very much indeed and, in particular, I would like to thank the fans, players and staff for their amazing support over the season.
"I wish the club, and everyone associated with it, much success in the coming years."