Ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has thanked fans who raised almost £1.2million at a Liverpool FC legends match.
Earlier this year the Swede revealed he has at best a year to live after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. And Sven, 76, a lifelong Liverpool supporter, was invited to take the manager’s hot seat for the game against Ajax at Anfield in March.
The club yesterday said the sold-out event raised a record-breaking amount for its own charity. Sven, who realised a lifelong dream by leading out his boyhood team in front of a packed stadium, said: “It was an incredible day and something I will never forget, and to know that the occasion helped to raise so much for the LFC Foundation makes it even more special for me.”
He added: “Everybody knows how special the LFC family is and everyone has come together again here to help to raise so much for a fantastic cause, which will help so many people.”
The LFC Foundation works with more than 120 schools across the region to help keep children in education, while teaching life skills and tackling social issues, such as involvement in gangs and crime, as well as mental health support. Matt Parish, LFC Foundation Chief Executive, said: “The legends games are always special occasions and none more so than this year.”
Liverpool won the match 4-2. Ajax had raced into a two-goal lead before the break at Anfield after goals from Derk Boerrigter and Kiki Musampa.
Gregory Vignal and Djibril Cisse levelled matters for the Reds, with Nabil El Zhar completing the turnaround. Fernando Torres rounded off the scoring late on in front of the Kop.
Speaking at the time, iconic former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard said: "It's all for a good cause, we've got to remember why we're here we're here for a good cause. There's going to be a lot of money raised today going to go to some fantastic causes.
"Sven being here today was very special; as soon as I knew he was going to be the gaffer today, I couldn't wait to come and play for him one more time."
Eriksson recently enjoyed an emotional return to former club IFK Goteborg. He struggled to hold back the tears as fans gave him a rousing reception.
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