In the final stages of his life, former Harbour boss Christian Eriksen realised his dream at Anfield

In 1979, Sven Goran Eriksen, who had just started his coaching career in Gothenburg, Sweden, wrote to Liverpool to watch the Reds' training sessions, and the youngster soon received a positive response and was even invited into the "boot room" left by Shankly. From then on, Liverpool was the dream of Liverpool in Eriksen's heart, even if he led the team to face them in the Champions League. In January, Erickson revealed that he had pancreatic cancer and that doctors had a year left to diagnose him. He has one more wish he wants to fulfill, and that is to sit in the dugout at Anfield......

Caption: Christian Eriksen stroking the Liverpool crest

I wanted to coach Liverpool but I didn't get the chance

The England national team manager is a well-known part of Eriksen's resume, but many people don't know that his affection for English football began with Liverpool. "My father was a Liverpool fan. ”

After taking the reins, Eriksen's dream was to become Liverpool manager, "it was close, it was many years ago, there was some discussion but it never happened. 'When he was in charge of Benfica, Eriksen led his side to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, his side lost 1-0 away and lost again at home, "We said we were going to win them in the second leg but they lost 5-1 and they still did well. ”

Eriksen went on to achieve considerable success, winning the Portuguese Super League and reaching the UEFA Champions League final, lifting the league title, cup title and European Cup Winners' Cup in Serie A, before leading LinkedIn Gran to the quarter-finals of two consecutive World Cups. He has also served as the head coach of Guangzhou R&F, Shanghai Port (formerly "Shanghai Port") and Shenzhen Kaisa Club. Sadly, 76-year-old Erikson revealed in January this year that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and it was at an advanced stage, and doctors diagnosed that he had no more than a year left to live. Speaking to Sky Sports, Eriksen lamented: "I've always been a Liverpool fan and wanted to coach Liverpool but didn't get the chance. ”

I want to play another game for him

After learning of this, fans around the world, including China, sent their best wishes to Eriksen, hoping that he could remain optimistic and face life bravely. Liverpool fans have proposed to the club to invite Eriksen to coach the legendary charity game.

It's one of Liverpool's traditions. Initiated by the Liverpool FC Foundation, it raises funds through the tournament to improve the lives of retired players and fans. The match is scheduled to be played at Anfield Stadium on March 23 local time in England, and the players participating in the charity match are all famous players of the Red Army, from Gerrard, Torres and Litemanen to Hyypia and Dudek, and the opponents invited veterans of the Dutch club Ajax.

Caption: Eriksen used to coach Shanghai Port

On the "Good Morning UK" online show, Eriksen, who had just heard about it, was a little incredulous and thought it was a joke, but it soon turned out that Eriksen was officially included in the list of coaching teams on the Liverpool side of this legendary charity game, with Ian Rush, Barnes and Aldridge working with him, and Eriksen's name came first.

Before the game, Liverpool's current boss Jurgen Klopp made a special visit to Eriksen. On this night, Jurgen Klopp dressed like a fan, while Eriksen was in good spirits and eager to try. "If he wants, he can sit in my office seat and finish my day's work. "I'm sure he can have some quality time here." ”

Caption: Christian Eriksen with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

The night before the game, Eriksen also came to Melwood Training Base to watch the Legends team members in practice. Gerrard, who returned from Saudi Arabia to reunite with Ehrassin, said: "For me, it was very important for Eriksen to be here. When I learned he was going to be the head coach of the team, I couldn't wait to play another game for him. ”

Accompanied by another Reds legend, Barnes, Eriksen spoke to Liverpool fans and learned about the work of the Liverpool Charity Foundation – the charity games sold out quickly, attendance was record-breaking, and millions of pounds raised went to projects such as the Liverpool Retired Players' Association, the Forever Reds.

Thank you, this is a memory that will last forever

To the applause of 60,000 Liverpool fans on Saturday afternoon, Eriksen walked down the Anfield aisle to the heart of the pitch he had been dreaming about. At this moment, he is not an England manager, nor is he the protagonist of the news in the British tabloids, but a Reds fan with gray temples and obsessed dreams. He bowed deeply and greeted the stands, thanking the Liverpudlians for the love they had given him, and for the purest camaraderie in the world of football. The Liverpool anthem rang out throughout the stadium. At this time, is there a more suitable testimonial than "You Will Never Walk Alone"?

There is no doubt that this is a good race of legends. With goals from Vignard, Cissé, Zar and Torres, Liverpool overcame Ajax 4-2 to send their manager Christian Eriksen the best regards. The post-match press conference was also attended by Christian Eriksen. Despite the pain of his illness, Eriksen returned to the dugout, with such elegance, decency and witty words.

'I think we've always been the better team. Even though we were 2-0 down, as I said, we played a very good first half and a great second half, a great win, a fair result. Commenting on captain Steven Gerrard's performance, Eriksen said: "He's still the boss on the pitch, of course. ”

When asked who was the man of the match, Eriksen gave the answer back to Liverpool fans, "I think everybody was a winner today. The best in the audience is the audience."

Before leaving, Erikson revealed that he cried when the audience sang "You Will Never Be Alone", "Thank you, this is a memory that will last forever."

(Xinmin Evening News reporter Jin Lei)