I have had better weeks in my life

Sven-Goran Eriksson

"I have done the same things on this occasion as I did when I lost football games in Italy - I don't read the papers.

"You have to accept it, maybe laugh at it and not try to think about it, but to get on with your job.

"I have had better weeks in my life.

"I have had the media outside my house for 24 hours - but I have to accept that."

After pausing briefly, he added with a wry smile: " It is not pleasant to be followed 24 hours a day not by one person but about 20 - but hopefully it will stop one day."

Eriksson said he had expected close scrutiny from the British media when he moved from club side Lazio in Rome in February 2001.

Ulrika Jonsson: No longer in the relationship

But he added: "In Italy, they show more respect than they do here.

"Italian journalists can kill you football-wise if you lose one or two games - but I always accepted that.

"When people try to dig up things in your private life, then it is more difficult to accept.

"But I am here and I am proud to be here and I am looking forward to the World Cup in the summer."

On Wednesday, Ms Jonsson issued a statement admitting she and her fellow Swede had a "relationship".

The 34-year-old TV star said the relationship was now over and denied issuing Eriksson with an ultimatum to leave his girlfriend for her.

Eriksson has been with Italian lawyer Nancy Dell'Olio, 37, with whom he shares the luxury home, for three years.