Sven-Goran Eriksson was 'in tears' after Liverpool fulfilled his dying wish

Liverpool's touching tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson moved the late legend to tears just months before his death. And it saw the Swede fulfil a lifelong dream by finally connecting with the club he'd supported since childhood.

The football world is mourning the loss of Eriksson, who passed away on Monday aged 76 after a brief fight with pancreatic cancer. The former England and Manchester City manager revealed his diagnosis in January, adding that he was told he had less than one year to live.

However, he was able to fulfil a career ambition by managing a team of Liverpool legends in a friendly against Ajax legends in March. The emotional event clearly affected Eriksson, who was visibly moved by his special involvement with a club that held a dear place in his heart.

"That will be a huge memory in life. Absolutely beautiful," he said after guiding Liverpool to a 4-2 victory. "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."

As he took to the field, the Swedish icon was seen tearing up while acknowledging the supporters, who responded with a heartfelt ovation at Anfield. Eriksson later expressed the profound significance of the experience.

"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," he added. "It's a good finish, to finish with Liverpool, it can't be much better than that."

The former England manager has previously disclosed that his affection for Liverpool comes from his father. And he once revealed his dad is so committed that he "won't miss one game" if Liverpool are on the telly.

Even better was the fact his father would get to watch Eriksson managing his favourite team himself. With that in mind, it's little wonder the tears came flooding when he stepped out in front of the Kop.

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"Any players as long as the shirt is the right shirt he is happy and he will not miss one game on TV when Liverpool play," said Eriksson. "When other teams are playing he may miss some but not Liverpool.

"The amazing thing of Liverpool Football Club is that [the charity match against Ajax] is going to be sent to television in Sweden, live. Not the biggest channel, the next biggest, he will see that game of course. That’s how big Liverpool is.”