Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has told Steve McClaren: There's life beyond England.
On Thursday as McClaren drove home, City fans mobbed Eriksson to get his signature on the disc charting his first five incredible months at Eastlands.
His true worth in this country is probably only being realised now.
Eriksson, 59, said: "The criticism I got with England did not affect me.
"I always knew perfectly well within myself what I've done in my life and nobody can take that from me, no matter what anyone says.
"I have been successful in my career. Maybe I didn't win something every year - but I HAVE been successful.
"If other people wanted to make me feel bad about what I have done they have failed, no chance. Look at my record with England in competitive games - I was a good manager. Look at my record in friendlies and, no, I was not.
"But I never understood why people were worried about friendlies.
"The very name 'friendly' tells you how important those games were. The problem with England is the expectations are through the roof. Yes, more than in any other country."
Eriksson had no doubts about coming back to England to work after a year out following the 2006 World Cup. He said: "I had no nerves because I know what I can do.
"People might have been surprised that I wanted to come back to work in England. But I never felt normal people here had anything against me.
"Since leaving the England job, I have only had goodwill from people - wherever I have gone. I go out in Manchester and I get goodwill not just from City fans but Manchester United fans as well. English people are very educated. I've never had a bad word from anyone."
