"Remember the good times." Sven-Goran Eriksson taught us plenty.

There is a deeply poignant moment in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s farewell film, one of many poignant moments, when he urges viewers, and himself, to “remember the good times”. His voice is laid over footage of swimming with his delighted grandchildren and David Beckham’s arcing free-kick against Greece at Old Trafford. Good times.

He's lived a life has dear old Sven. And now it draws to an untimely close the 76-year-old has made a remarkable film with his children chronicling the onset and grip of cancer and also reflecting on the many joys of his life, family, friends and football.

To visit Sven at his beautiful lake-side retreat in Sunne, Sweden, was always to appreciate the kindly, measured nature of this charming man. “Beer? Hot-dog?” is how he greets travel-weary visitors. To be asked to contribute to Sven’s film released tomorrow was an honour. Remember the good times.

And remember the lessons. We learned about dignity in defeat from Sven. He went into the Swiss referee Urs Meier’s room after England were controversially knocked out of Euro 2004 and Meier had ruled out a legitimate-looking Sol Campbell goal. “Well done,” Sven said to Meier, shaking his hand, without a hint of rancour or mockery. Sven’s a civilised man. While many of us were lashing out in frustration at another tournament failure, and some were going after Meier so much that he had to move house, Sven was acting with decorum, even support for the referee.