Ingesson was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2009Played for clubs including Sheffield Wednesday and Bari

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Klas Ingesson, the former Sweden midfielder who played at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, has died at the age of 46.

Ingesson, who played 57 times for Sweden, was diagnosed with incurable multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, in 2009. However he remained co-manager of Swedish club Elfsborg while being treated.

Ingesson took part in two World Cups, reaching the semi-finals in 1994. He also played at the 1992 European Championship, and, at club level, for teams including Sheffield Wednesday, PSV Eindhoven, Marseille and Bari.

Earlier this year, Ingesson wrote an open letter on Elfsborg’s website addressing questions in the media about whether he should continue working, despite having to use a walking frame or a wheelchair.

He wrote: “The talk about my cancer has to end. Elfsborg and I have an agreement that I am manager for the first team. Physically and mentally I don’t have a problem to do my job. I should be judged as anyone else to determine whether I am good enough for the job but then I should be judged on my competence, not my physical status.

“It is every person’s right to be judged by who you are and what you do – not because you have an illness or a handicap.”

Elfsborg released a statement saying that Ingesson had died at home. He leaves his wife Veronica, and two sons, Martin and David.