Sven-Goran Eriksson said today it had not been his decision to stand down as England coach, indicating he had been asked to resign after embarrassing newspapers revelations.
He was asked at a news conference if there was any way that he could change his mind about leaving the England job after the 2006 World Cup.
"I could possibly change my mind?" Eriksson asked with visible surprise. "I haven't taken any decisions. I just listened to what people told me to do. So it doesn't depend on me."
The FA announcement in January said "the FA and Sven felt it was important to clarify his future" and thanked Eriksson and his advisors for their "tremendous co-operation". The Swede's contract had run until 2008.
The 57-year-old Eriksson, who became the first foreigner to coach the England national team when he was appointed in 2000, said at the time he was happy that the situation had been resolved.
"I am happy that we have reached this agreement and can now continue our preparations for the World Cup," he said on the FA website.
The FA acted after the Swede was trapped in a newspaper sting, making embarrassing disclosures about England squad members and said he might be prepared to leave the England job to take over Aston Villa.
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