Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will complete one of his final wishes to manage Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday when a legends side takes on Ajax
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard insists he has been training hard to be in the best shape to complete one final 90 minutes for Sven-Goran Eriksson when the former England manager takes charge of the Reds on Saturday afternoon.
Earlier this year the Swedish manager announced that he had approximately 12 months left to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. When asked if he had any regrets, the 76-year-old explained that he always wanted to manage Liverpool having grown up supporting the club with his dad.
Following his admission, there was a movement from supporters to ensure that Eriksson was named the Liverpool Legends’ manager for the LFC Foundation charity match against Ajax on Saturday. The Swede has since been announced as the manager for the clash and has described the opportunity as a ‘dream’ ahead of what promises to be an emotionally-charged day at Anfield.
Before the game, Channel 4 arranged for some of his former England players to send their best wishes. Among them was Gerrard who paid tribute to his old international manager.
“I just wanted to send you my best wishes, send you some love and support,” the current Al Ettifaq boss said. “Been thinking about you a lot lately.
“I hope you are doing okay and I am really looking forward to seeing you next week. I am happy to have you as the gaffer at Anfield, that’ll be really special so I am just trying to get the body in good condition so I can last the 90 minutes.”
An emotional Owen Hargreaves added: “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.
“It actually changed my career, changed my life in so many ways. 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 and stay strong and hopefully I get to see you soon.”
Michael Owen, Joe Cole, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville were also among his former players to contribute to the tribute package.
Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole added: “I just wanted to say, I’m wishing you all the very best. And thank you for all of the memories and all the help in my career. Making my dream come true of playing for England at a World Cup – twice.
“I remember I scored against Northern Ireland and you’ve come over after the game and you had a glass of champagne or wine in your hand and you’ve said to me, ‘Finally, you have become the complete player,’ and I was buzzing. It’s always nice to hear that from the manager. Wish you all the very best to you and your family, it would be great to see you soon.”
Another former Anfield favourite Michael Owen said: “I hope this finds you in good spirits. I hope you’re keeping fine and I hope you’re enjoying the current England team who are all doing so well and of course we’re all looking forward to the European Championships in the summer. Take care boss and all the very best to you.”
Ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes said: “It was an absolute to play for England for you. That team obviously should have won something and I wish I had done a lot better than I actually did for you. I just wanted to say hello Sven, hope you’re doing okay and all the best for your recovery.”
Gary Neville added: “Hi Sven, I hope you’re well. I’m just sending you all my best wishes and thank you for all the support that you gave me whilst we were with England and I’d love to be able to see you soon. Thanks very much.”
