An emotional Sven-Goran Eriksson wiped away the tears when he was shown messages of support from members of England’s so-called ‘Golden Generation’ after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The football world was shocked in January when former England head coach Eriksson revealed that he had ‘at best a year to live’ after receiving the diagnosis last year.
The 76-year-old – who also managed the likes of Roma, Lazio, Manchester City and Leicester City across an esteemed career – disclosed that he had suddenly collapsed during a 5km run in early 2023 and was subsequently told that he had suffered a stroke and had cancer.
Tributes poured in for Eriksson after his announcement and a campaign quickly gathered pace to fulfill the veteran Swede's wish of managing Liverpool at Anfield for this weekend’s charity match against Ajax.
Eriksson, a lifelong Liverpool supporter, was said to be welcomed with ‘open arms’ on Merseyside by Jurgen Klopp. Shortly after, it was confirmed that he would form part of the management team alongside Sir Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush.
A crowd of 59,655 is expected at what has become an annual event to raise money for the LFC Foundation, with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Jerzy Dudek, Sami Hyypia, Fernando Torres and Durk Kuyt set to run out onto the field this afternoon for a star-studded Liverpool FC Legends team.
Channel 4 caught up with Eriksson in the build-up to the eagerly anticipated match, and there was a heartwarming moment when the former manager was shown a series of tributes from the likes of Joe Cole, Paul Scholes, and Gary Neville.
‘I just wanted to say that I wish you all the very best and thank you for all the memories and all the help in my career, making my dream come true, playing for England at a World Cup twice,’ former England and Chelsea winger Cole said.
‘I remember scoring I scored against Northern Ireland and you came over after the game, you had a glass of wine or champagne in your hand, and you said: “Finally, you’ve become a complete player”, and I was buzzing. It’s always nice to hear that from the manager.
‘I wish all the very best, to you and your family. It would be great to see you soon.’
Manchester United great Scholes said he wished he had ‘done a lot better’ under Eriksson during their time together with England and passed on his best wishes.
‘I just want to say that it was an absolute pleasure to play for England for you,’ Scholes said.
‘That team obviously should have won something and I wish I had done a lot better than I actually did for you.
‘So, I just want to say hello Sven, I hope you’re doing OK and all the best with your recovery.’
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker Michael Owen hoped Eriksson was enjoying watching the current crop of England stars ahead of Euro 2024 this summer.
‘I hope this reaches you while you're feeling well, I hope you're doing fine and I hope you're enjoying the current successful England team,’ Owen said.
‘Certainly, we're all excited for the upcoming European Championships in the summer.
‘Take care, boss, and all the very best to you.’
Meanwhile, ex-Liverpool and England captain Gerrard said: ‘I just wanted to send you my best wishes, send you some love and support.
‘I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately, okay? Hope you’re doing okay.
‘I’m really looking forward to seeing you next week [this weekend]. I’m happy to have you as the gaffer at Anfield, that’ll be really special.
‘I’m just trying to get the body in good condition so I can last the 90 minutes!’
Neville told Eriksson that he hoped to be able to catch up with him soon and passed on a heartfelt message of support.
‘I’m just sending you all my best wishes and thanking you for all the support that you gave me whilst we were with England,’ the former England and Manchester United right-back said.
‘I’d love to be able to see you soon and thanks very much.’
Owen Hargreaves appeared close to tears as he delivered his message and Eriksson was visibly emotional as he watched the clip before thanking Channel 4 for pulling the piece together.
‘First of all, I just want to say thank you for everything you did for me throughout my career, for believing in me when a lot of people didn’t,’ ex-Bayern Munich and England midfielder Hargreaves said.
‘It actually changed my career and changed my life in so many ways so I just want to say thank you for that.
‘Your support meant so much to me and I just want to wish you all the best. Lots of love, stay strong and hopefully I’ll get to see you soon. Lots of love to you and your family.’
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