Sven and girlfriend out together

Eriksson and Dell'Olio watching football at Highbury

England football coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has been seen out with his girlfriend Nancy Dell'Olio for the first time since Ulrika Jonsson admitted she had an affair with him.

Eriksson, 54, and lawyer Ms Dell'Olio were seated side by side in the crowd at Highbury to watch Arsenal's Premiership match against West Ham on Wednesday.

Ulrika Jonsson: No longer in the relationship

Earlier, Ms Jonsson issued a statement admitting she and Eriksson had a "relationship".

The 34-year-old TV star said she was speaking out to end further speculation after days of media interest.

Jonsson said the relationship was now over and denied issuing Eriksson with an ultimatum to leave his girlfriend for her.

The statement read: "In the hope of dispelling any further rumours about my relationship with Sven-Goran Eriksson, I would like to make it clear that I have never issued him with any ultimatums.

"Like everybody else, I wish Sven the very best for the World Cup.

Media storm

"But I also have a job to do, both as a mother and as a professional, and would like to be allowed to continue to do my job without any further speculation involving me and this relationship.

"I am no longer a part of this relationship."

Eriksson has been with Italian Ms Dell'Olio, 37, for three years.

The media storm surrounding the their relationship first gathered when newspapers last week reported the England coach and Jonsson were having an affair.

Last Monday Eriksson told reporters outside his London home that he would not comment on his private life, despite the escalating interest in the trio in the Sunday papers.

Preparations

At a press conference to launch the official England suit on Monday Eriksson said he had no complaints about the accuracy of the reporting.

Asked if he loved Dell'Olio, 37, with whom he shares the luxury home, Eriksson smiled and said: "I'm sure you will find out - you are parked outside my home."

But he denied the stories would affect England's preparations for the World Cup in South Korea and Japan in June.