Why Sven-Goran Eriksson was Liverpool supporter and how he achieved Anfield dream after diagnosis

The football world is in mourning for ex-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson after he passed away aged 76. The ever-popular Swedish coach - who led the Three Lions between 2001 and 2006 - was widely known as a Liverpool fan and the Premier League club allowed him to live out a final wish before his death.

Eriksson was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer last year. Speaking in January, the former Manchester City and Leicester City manager announced that he had less than 12 months to live.

After a brave battle against the disease, it was announced on Monday that Eriksson has now passed away. Liverpool enabled Eriksson to achieve one final dream when he was asked to coach The Reds in a legends-only match against Ajax, which took place in March for the LFC Foundation, with around £1.2million raised and 60,000 fans in attendance at Anfield.

That came after Eriksson, who enjoyed a stellar career in the dugout, revealed that he had always wanted to take charge of Liverpool dating back to his family connection with the club. Speaking with Sky News earlier in the year, he said: "My father is still alive and is still a Liverpool supporter.

"I'm a Liverpool supporter as well, I've always been.

"So I always wished to be the manager of Liverpool and that will not happen for sure. But I'm still a Liverpool fan."

In the end, though, Eriksson did get to manage The Reds and much to his delight. Sitting alongside Fernando Torres after the 4-2 over Ajax's legends in March, Eriksson said: "That will be a huge memory in life. Absolutely beautiful. To sit on the bench for Liverpool, that's been my dream my whole life.

"Now it happened. It was a beautiful day in all meanings."

He continued: "The crowd, the game, the players, everything, fantastic. 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 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 that at that time. It's a good finish [for me] to finish with Liverpool, it can't be much better than that."