It has been confirmed that Sven-Goran Eriksson will be part of the LFC Legends management team for the game against Ajax Legends at Anfield on March 23.

Eriksson stood down from his most recent role as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad 11 months ago after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. 

 The 75-year-old Swede was informed by doctors he had pancreatic cancer and while there are treatments to slow down its progression and help manage symptoms, there is no cure.

Speaking to Swedish Radio P1, Eriksson stated he was going to resist the cancer "for as long as I can".

Following the news, there was an outpouring of support online calling for the former England boss - and self-professed Liverpool fan - to take the helm for a game at Anfield.

Boss Jurgen Klopp even said he could spend a day at the club and "have his office for a day".

The former England boss will join a dugout of Liverpool greats, including Ian Rush, John Barnes and John Aldridge, for the annual LFC Foundation charity match.

A spokesperson for Liverpool FC said: "All connected with the club and LFC Foundation look forward to warmly welcoming LFC fan Sven and his family to Anfield - and seeing him in the dugout on the day - for a fantastic fundraising occasion."

Eriksson added: "I have an illness that's serious. Best case a year, I have worst case a lot less. It's impossible to say exactly, so it's better to not think about it."

The discovery of the cancer came when he "collapsed and fainted" as he was doing a 5km run.

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It "just came from nothing", he added, and that "makes you shocked".

"I'm not in any major pain. But I've been diagnosed with a disease that you can slow down but you cannot operate. So it is what it is."

Eriksson also shared he was trying to stay positive and "make something good" from his cancer diagnosis.

"You try to trick the brain, it's too easy to succumb and become negative and get stuck at home. Better to try and see positives and not give in during hard times," he added.

Liverpool charity game

The first group of players have already been announced and include Istanbul hero goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek and fellow shot-stopper Sander Westerveld. Defenders Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio and Gregory Vignal are also confirmed and Djibril Cisse will be among the attacking options, alongside former Reds and Ajax forward Ryan Babel, who will feature for both sides in the game.

One hundred per cent of the proceeds raised from the fixture - which is presented by AXA, the club’s official training partner - will support the work of LFC Foundation and its charity partners.

LFC Foundation’s two previous legends matches against Manchester United and Celtic raised an incredible £1.45 million, which is now supporting its vital work across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.

Additional LFC Legends players will be announced in the coming weeks ahead of the game, which is brought to you in association with Forever Reds, so keep an eye out across our channels to find out which legends will be taking part.

Tickets for the charity match are priced at £28 for adults, £8 for juniors and £18 for over 65s.

Tickets are available to purchase online here and disabled supporters can visit the Accessibility Hub for full sale details.

Premium tickets are available from £50 and hospitality tickets start at £150. Please go here for more details.