[dst]

(IMG:http://media2.acmilan.com/200412/725_big.jpg)

Calcio legend Liedholm dies
Monday 5 November, 2007

Swedish ex-Milan hero Nils Liedholm has died at the age of 85.

The midfielder nicknamed The Baron played 359 games for the Rossoneri and scored 81 goals after arriving from IFK Norrkoping in 1949.

Liedholm was known for his dedication to training and his accurate passing during his time at the San Siro.

Alongside Gunnar Nordahl and Gunnar Gren, he formed the legendary Gre-No-Li trident.

After hanging his boots up at the age of 39, Liedholm became a Coach and enjoyed three spells at Milan and three at Roma as well as periods with Verona and Fiorentina.

A Swedish newspaper poll recently named the Valdemarsvik native as the nation’s greatest player.

Liedholm passed away at his home in Cuccaro Monferrato in the Piedmont province of Alessandria near Turin.


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Sad day... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Rest in peace...

There is a reference to his death and an article on the Italian section of the official website, I hope it will be translated to English.

Calcio remembers Liedholm
Tuesday 6 November, 2007

The Italian football community have paid tribute to Nils Liedholm after his sad death on Monday.

Liedholm is widely regarded as the greatest Swedish player in history and is best remembered for his time in the Milan shirt.

The man nicknamed The Baron also coached the Rossoneri, Roma, Verona and Fiorentina before passing away at the age of 85.

“I’m very sad,” Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri told Sky Sports Italia.

“He was a true gentleman - a superb person who always had words of encouragement. He is an important example for Italian football.”

Milan chief Silvio Berlusconi remembers Liedholm for his impeccable passing, which was one of his trademarks.

“I never remember him making a mistake,” he insisted. “A great champion, a gentleman and a friend has left us. Thanks for all you did for us Nils.”

Liedhom undoubtedly left his mark on Roma where his coaching methods revolutionised the side.

“The whole of the Roma family mourns his loss because his influence on the club is still felt,” explained Giallorossi President Franco Sensi.

“The Roma side he created in the 1980s provided the base for a growth that is still going on now and the positive and spectacular football this club stands for.”

Current Roma tactician Luciano Spalletti cites Liedholm as one of his role models.

“Liedholm was one of the greatest stars of world football,” he stated. “He created a style based on simplicity, humanity, professionalism and charisma. He is a man I admired profoundly.”

Finally, Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who started his playing career under Liedholm paid him a glowing tribute.

“He was a great teacher and there couldn’t have been a better person to help me begin life as a player,” he said.

“If there were lots of Liedholms in football, the game would be better for it.”

The funeral for the beloved Swede will be held near his home in Cuccaro in the province of Alessandria where he lived.


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Tuesday 6 November's Papers Remember Nils

Gazzetta dello Sport
Ciao Liedholm, we will miss you

Corriere dello Sport
Goodbye Nils the great - A great man of calcio passes away

Tuttosport
Goodbye to Liedholm, a gentleman of calcio

This post has been edited by dst: Nov 7 2007, 05:37 PM

[dst]

Thanks for the link rhy_A4! He truly is a legend!!

This post has been edited by dst: Nov 5 2007, 11:35 PM