Sven-Goran Eriksson Realizes Lifelong Dream with Liverpool

The soccer world is in mourning following the death of former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

On Monday it was revealed the 76-year-old had passed away following his battle with terminal pancreatic cancer. The Swede enjoyed an illustrious career, famously guiding Lazio to only their second Serie A title back in 2000.

Eriksson was also in charge of England from 2001 to 2006, guiding the Three Lions to two World Cups and a European Championship. During all three tournaments, Eriksson and co reached the quarter-finals.

Earlier this year, Eriksson got to live out a “dream” when he managed Liverpool, the club he had supported growing up, in a charity match against Ajax. Emerging from the tunnel at Anfield with ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ booming around the ground, Eriksson described the scenes as “absolutely beautiful.”

Speaking after his Liverpool Legends team, captained by Steven Gerrard, had beaten Ajax 4-2 with goals from Gregory Vignal, Nabil El Zhar, Djibril Cisse, and Fernando Torres helping the Reds defeat the Dutch side, Eriksson said: “That will be a huge memory in life. Absolutely beautiful.”

The Swede also emphasized that in coaching Liverpool against Ajax, he was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of his.

Eriksson added: “To sit on the bench for Liverpool, that’s been my dream my whole life. Now it happened, and it was a beautiful day in all meanings. The crowd, the game, the players, everything, fantastic, and thank you to Liverpool for giving me this opportunity, to invite me for such an important game – it’s not points, but the importance of the game is incredible.”

“It was full of emotions, tears coming. It’s been my dream club all my life – even when I had England, I also supported Liverpool, but I couldn’t say it at that time. It’s a good finish, to finish with Liverpool, it can’t be much better than that.”

You cannot fail to be moved by what coaching Liverpool, even if just for one afternoon, meant to Sven-Goran Eriksson. The joy in his eyes at being able to coach the Reds at Anfield, and experience that whilst battling cancer, should move anyone to tears. Rest in peace Sven.