The Swedish coach was in charge at the Etihad Stadium for the 2007/08 season and his time at City is fondly remembered by supporters.
People across the footballing world have paid their respects to his impact as an influential manager and warm-hearted person throughout his career that saw him take charge of clubs in Sweden, Portugal, Italy and China as well as being the England national team boss between 2000 and 2006.
Eriksson made Joe Hart his City number one before the goalkeeper went on to make 348 appearances for the Club over 10 years, winning two Premier League titles.
“He was just a lovely, lovely man with so much power and so much influence,” he told the BBC. “He just had this beautiful way about him. I was probably too young to appreciate him.
“This guy cared, this guy had a passionate interest in how we were as human beings.
“He was an absolute superstar everywhere he went and he just owned it, just oozed class and it didn’t look like effort. These are the things I think about when I think of him.”
Micah Richards was also a regular under Eriksson in a year that saw the young defender establish himself as England’s right-back.
“His man-management was as good as I ever experienced and it meant I could play my best football under him,” he said. “Thank you for everything, Sven.”
Now 37, Kasper Schmeichel was a youthful goalkeeper when injuries thrust him into the first with Sven backing the talent of the inexperienced Dane.
“Sven was the first manager to truly believe in me and give me a chance at the highest level,” Schmeichel said.
“He was the first manager to call me world-class and he made me feel 10 feet tall.
“He gave me my Premier League debut, brought me to Notts County, and finally to Leicester where I enjoyed the best time of my career.
“It is a great loss to football and the world. I want to thank him for everything he did for me.”
Sven was a huge admirer of Roberto Mancini and they worked together in Italy at Sampdoria and Lazio.
The former City boss posted a picture on Instagram of the pair smiling together with the message: “Ciao Mister. You were an amazing coach and a wonderful man.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Prince of Wales paid their tributes along with leading England players from his time in charge including David Beckham, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.
Frank Lampard, who later at the Etihad, said on Instagram: “He was an absolute gentleman and was always there for you on and off the pitch. I will always be grateful to him for the trust and support he gave me in my England career.
“Thanks Sven for all you did for me. My thoughts are with your loved ones at this difficult time.”
Ex-City keeper David James wrote: “’I’m saddened by the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson. He was a Gentleman, a great human being and a great manager.”
After being diagnosed with cancer, Sven made an Amazon documentary in which he said he wanted to be remembered a “good man” and that is exactly what those that knew him will do, speaking of his warmth, generosity and spirit.
At the end of the documentary, he said: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well.
“You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully, at the end people will say, ‘yeah, he was a good man’, but everyone will not say that.
“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do.
“Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it. Bye.”
The thoughts of everyone at Manchester City are with Sven’s family and friends.
