Sven-Goran Eriksson's girlfriend, who he called his 'rock' during his final months, sheds tears at his funeral

The woman who had shared her life with Sven-Goran Eriksson for 16 years broke down in tears this morning as she touched his coffin at his funeral in Sweden today.  

Yaniseth Alcides,who is 54,had nursed the Swedish football legend during his final months until his death aged 76 from pancreatic cancer earlier this month.

The former exotic dancer from Panama cut a sombre figure as she joined a host of celebrities - including David Beckham,Nancy Dell'Olio and Roy Hodgson - at Eriksson's funeral in his hometown of Torsby.

Wearing a black mourning coat and large black sunglasses,Mendoza embraced members of her partner's family.

During the service,she wept as she gently touched the coffin of her partner during the service. 

Ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson,pictured in May 2006

Members of Sweden's royal family were also expected to have been in attendance,with roads surrounding the church in the small town where Eriksson grew up cordoned off by police.

Among those to arrive early was Bengt Berg,who said: 'I'm very happy and very sad at the same time. But it's fantastic to see him returning to his first point. It's a very curious feeling.

'He's one of us and we share his glory. But when he returned here,he was just one of the hot dog eaters.'.

Under Eriksson's direction,England reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002 and 2006,and the last-eight of Euro 2004.

He was England manager for five years,having previously guided Lazio to the Serie A title. He also managed Roma,Fiorentina and Sampdoria in Italy.

After stepping down from the England job,he held managerial posts with Manchester City,Leicester and the Mexico national team.

Roy HodgsonSwedenDavid Beckham