sentences:  In December 1996, Eriksson agreed to leave Sampdoria at the end of the season, to manage Blackburn Rovers.In February 1997, however, he went back on his word, and opted to stay in Italy and become the new manager at Lazio, effective 1 July 1997.Eriksson stated family reasons for wanting to stay in Italy, and Rovers would go on to appoint Roy Hodgson.