Eriksson's private life has been the subject of much speculation

He spoke of his regret that details of his relationship with 38-year-old Faria Alam had been made public.

The 56-year-old Swede, who earns �4m a year, added: "My private life has nothing to do with the FA."

Speaking at the FA's London headquarters ahead of next week's friendly against Ukraine, he said he had not considered quitting his job.

Mr Eriksson signed a contract extension in March to remain as England coach until 2008.

He vowed to stay on after England's disappointing European Championships exit at the hands of hosts Portugal, in June.

And on Friday, Mr Eriksson said: "I will never throw in the towel because of the mass media. I should hate that.

Sometimes I feel in this job that you should be a saint, at least a monk, you shouldn't earn much money and you should win every football game England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson

"I could throw in the towel because of football results - but not because of intrusion into my private life. I am a little bit stubborn.

"I can quit if we don't qualify for the World Cup, but that's football."

His private life has been in the spotlight since it was revealed he had had an affair with television presenter Ulrika Jonsson.

Mr Eriksson said: "When I meet English people, going to games and restaurants, then I like them.

"What I can never understand is that there is a sick interest in people's private lives.

"Sometimes I feel in this job that you should be a saint, at least a monk, you shouldn't earn much money and you should win every football game."

Private business

Miss Alam, a former FA secretary, sold her story of their affair for a reported �500,000.

Mr Eriksson said: "What is said by other people, I will never comment on as, once again, it's my private business.

"Even if I'm the England manager, I suppose I have the right to have a private life.

"It's regrettable that it's come into the public arena and it's absolutely madness.

Expressed regret

"I always think that private business should remain private.

"I have never understood that normal people have any interest in your private life, even if I'm the manager of England."

Mr Eriksson also expressed regret former FA chief executive Mark Palios, who also had an affair with Miss Alam, had resigned.

But he added he was uninterested in attempts by FA staff to broker a newspaper deal to keep the executive's name out of the story.

Good relationship

Former FA PR chief, Colin Gibson offered a Sunday newspaper details of Mr Eriksson affair in exchange for its silence about Mr Palios.

Mr Eriksson said: "I am sorry Mark resigned. I have always had a good relationship with him and I think I had good support from him.

"I have no idea exactly what happened, and I really don't want to know it. I'm not interested."