Henrik Larsson

Henrik Larsson
Henrik larsson snorsjoabalen 2007 1.jpg
Personal information
Full name Henrik Edward Larsson
Date of birth 20 September 1971 (1971-09-20) (age 39)
Place of birth Helsingborg, Sweden
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position Striker
Club information
Current club Landskrona BoIS (manager)
Youth career
1977–1988 Högaborg
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
1988–1992 Högaborg 74 (23)
1992–1993 Helsingborg 56 (50)
1993–1997 Feyenoord 101 (26)
1997–2004 Celtic 221 (174)
2004–2006 Barcelona 40 (13)
2006–2009 Helsingborg 81 (38)
2007 → Manchester United (loan) 7 (1)
Total 580 (325)
National team
1993–2009 Sweden 106 (37)
Teams managed
2009– Landskrona BoIS
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.
† Appearances (Goals).

Henrik Edward Larsson MBE (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈhɛnrɪk ˈlɑːʂɔn]; born 20 September 1971 in Helsingborg, Sweden) is a Swedish football manager, and former player. He is currently managing Landskrona BoIS.[1]. Larsson began his career with Högaborgs BK as a youth player. As a senior, he moved to Helsingborg, where he was one of the key players when they qualified to Allsvenskan 1993. Larsson then moved to Feyenoord for four years before leaving for Celtic in 1997. He won four league titles in seven years with Celtic, scoring 242 goals in 315 competitive matches, before moving to Barcelona, where he won two league titles and the Champions League, with a world class performance in the UEFA Champions League Final in a 2–1 win against Arsenal, assisting both of Barcelona's goals. Following the expiration of his contract at Barcelona, Larsson returned to his hometown club of Helsingborg, and joined Manchester United on a brief loan spell between January and March 2007. He has announced his retirement from domestic football on 20 October 2009.[2]

Prior to his retirement from international football in 2006, Larsson had won 93 caps for Sweden, scoring 36 goals. On 13 May 2008, it was announced that Larsson would once again play for Sweden at the Euro 2008 championships in Austria and Switzerland. He was the captain of the Swedish national team. Larsson ended his international career with 37 goals in 106 matches.

Larsson has hinted he will make a move into professional floorball in Sweden, having already turned out for Helsingborg in the Swedish floorball league, but this is unlikely due to his recent appointment as Landskrona manager.[3]

Contents

Early life and Club career

Childood and early career

Although Larsson was born in Helsingborg, Scania, his father – Francisco Rocha – is from Cape Verde,[4] and his mother, Eva Larsson, is Swedish.[5] His parents, who never married and split up when he was 12,[5] decided that he should take his mother's surname because they felt it would be easier for their son to be accepted in Sweden.[6] He credits his father for his love of football.[5] His father gave him a football when he was 16 months old, and as a child he was able to practise with brothers and friends on a large field near his home in Helsingborg.[7] He has said of his school years: "I experienced some racism, because back then it was unusual to have a black kid at school, I was one of the few.[8] He watched UK league football on television, and his parents gave him a video of Pele's life story, both of which inspired him.[8] Larsson began playing at Högaborg when he was six years old [8] and started his professional career playing for them at the age of 17. He subsequently moved to Helsingborg, where he scored 50 goals in 56 appearances. It was this sensational form that sparked the interest of Dutch club Feyenoord, who signed him for £295,000 in 1993. This was despite the fact he was negotiating a contract with Grasshopper Zürich of Switzerland at the time.[9]

Celtic

Following a contract dispute with Feyenoord, he was signed by Celtic manager Wim Jansen in July 1997 for a fee of £650,000.[10] He won 4 SPL Titles, 2 Scottish League Cup and 3 Scottish Cups during his tenure. He was the top goalscorer in the Scottish Premier League for five of the six seasons that he competed in, the only exception being the 1999–2000 season, most of which Larsson missed due to the injury suffered in Lyon. Larsson was also a consistent goalscorer in international competition. He scored two goals in the 2003 UEFA Cup Final, although Portuguese opponents Porto went on to win 3–2. Celtic fans selected Larsson (the only player from outside Scotland) in the greatest ever Celtic team, when a vote was held in 2002.[11]

1997–98

His debut against Hibernian at Easter Road was inauspicious. Larsson, only just on as a late substitute, inadvertently passed the ball to Hibernian player Chic Charnley who then went on to score, resulting in a 2–1 defeat for Celtic.[12] He did not fare much better in his first European game, scoring an own goal, although Celtic did go on to win 6–3 against Tirol Innsbruck. After his poor start to the season Larsson quickly endeared himself to the Celtic support. Initially Larsson played the role of support striker alongside Darren Jackson, Simon Donnelly and later Harald Brattbakk. His work rate and unselfish play led to many assists for his team mates. In November 1997 Larsson won his first medal for the club with a 3–0 win over Dundee United at Ibrox Stadium giving Celtic the Scottish League Cup. He scored the opener in the final day of the league season against St. Johnstone to clinch the championship for Celtic. It was the club's first league championship win since the double winning season 1987–88 and stopped Old Firm rivals Rangers from breaking Celtic's record of nine titles in a row. Larsson finished the season as the clubs top goal scorer with 16 league goals and 18 goals in all competitions.

1998–99

Larsson's second season with the club saw a change in management with Dr. Jozef Venglos taking the Parkhead hotseat following Wim Jansen's resignation. The 1998–99 season was to prove ultimately disappointing as Celtic finished runners up to rivals Rangers in both the newly established SPL and in the Scottish Cup. During this season Larsson also made the scoresheet for the first time in an Old Firm match chalking up a brace in a 5–1 victory in November and scoring the equaliser in the 2–2 Ne'erday match at Ibrox Stadium. Throughout the season Larsson forged a mutually prolific partnership with diminutive Slovak playmaker Ľubomír Moravčík. The season however did mark the player's coming of age as a goal scorer. Playing in a more advanced striker's role Larsson notched up 38 goals ending the season as both Celtic and Scotland's top goal scorer. He was also awarded the honours of SPFA Players' Player of the Year, SFWA Footballer of the Year and Swedish Footballer of the Year.

1999–2000

The 1999–2000 season saw yet another change in management for Celtic. Former Liverpool and England winger, John Barnes replaced the outgoing Venglos to become manager at the club. The season started very brightly for Larsson as he notched up 8 league goals in only 9 games for the club. During Celtic's 1–0 defeat in a UEFA Cup tie against Lyon, Larsson suffered a career-threatening injury, breaking his leg in two places. This resulted in him spending eight months on the sidelines, only returning on the last day of the 1999–2000 season. John Barnes cited Larsson's injury as being a "big factor" in why he was sacked by Celtic after only months in the position.[13] By the time Larsson had completed his rehabilitation John Barnes had been sacked and replaced by Director of Football and Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish as interim manager. Larsson made his comeback with a substitute appearance against Dundee United at Celtic Park on the final day of the SPL season.

2000–01

Following the arrival Martin O'Neill in the summer of 2000, Larsson went on to have what would become his most successful season for Celtic. As Larsson forged a prolific partnership with new arrival Chris Sutton he scored an extraordinary total of 35 league goals in 38 league games to become SPL Top Goalscorer and to win the European Golden Boot. The season saw Celtic lift the domestic treble of the Scottish League Cup, Scottish Cup and the Scottish Premier League. Larsson scored an impressive hat-trick in a 3–0 win over Kilmarnock at Hampden Park to win the Scottish League Cup as well as a brace in the Scottish Cup in a 3–0 win over Hibernian. Other personal highlights for Larsson included scoring his 50th goal of the season against Rangers at Ibrox in a 3–0 victory and finishing the season with a total of 53 goals in all competitions. He was again voted SPFA Players' Player of the Year as well as SFWA Footballer of the Year. Larsson's form over the season was such that experienced opposition coach Dick Advocaat was moved to observe, "Larsson is one of the best strikers in Europe, maybe the world. If you watch Batistuta, he is sometimes not seen for 90 minutes but he scores two goals. Larsson has even more, because, besides being a good player and goalscorer, he has a tremendous workrate."[14]

2001–02

Larsson's fifth season at the club yielded a second consecutive SPL title for the club. It also marked the club's first foray into the UEFA Champions League group stage. Larsson scored his first Champions League goal with a penalty in Celtic's opening fixture in a controversial 3–2 defeat to Juventus in Turin. He scored again for Celtic in the Champions league campaign with the solitary goal in a 1–0 victory over Porto and again from the penalty spot against Juventus in a thrilling 4–3 victory at Celtic Park. Despite achieving a Scottish record of nine points in the group stage, Celtic failed to qualify for the latter stages and parachuted into the UEFA Cup. The club were drawn against Valencia with Larsson scoring the 2nd leg goal to take the tie into penalties which Celtic eventually lost. Larsson once again ended the season as SPL Top Goalscorer with 29 goals from 33 league appearances.

2002–03

The 2002–03 season proved to be one of the most memorable in Celtic's history as the club reached the UEFA Cup Final. After losing out on a place in the UEFA Champions League following a shock away goals defeat to Basel, Celtic parachuted into the UEFA Cup. The first round saw the paired with Lithuanian side Suduva with Larsson scoring a hat-trick in the 8–1 first leg victory as they progressed 10–1 on aggregate after adding a 2–0 away win. The 2nd round saw former Ranger's player-manager Graeme Souness' Blackburn Rovers side visit Celtic Park in a matched dubbed The Battle of Britain. After a tough fought game Celtic came went into the 2nd leg at Ewood Park 1–0 courtesy of a late Larsson goal. After comments from the Blackburn players in the media who felt their team deserved the win claiming that the tie was "like men against boys", Larsson answered the critics with the opening strike in a 2–0 away win. The following rounds saw Celtic see off Celta Vigo 2–2 on away goals and VfB Stuttgart 5–4 on aggregate. Larsson was to miss both ties with VfB Stuttgart following a broken jaw in an SPL match against Livingston. Larsson returned from injury in time for Celtic's Battle of Britain II Quarter Final clash with 2001 winners Liverpool. Despite Celtic's chances of progression being written off by press on both sides of the Anglo-Scottish Border Celtic defeated Liverpool 3–1 on aggregate with Larsson scoring the opener in a 1–1 1st leg draw followed by a 2–0 Celtic victory at Anfield Stadium. Celtic met unfashionable Portuguese side Boavista in the semi-final. After a cautious game at Celtic Park, Boavista took the advantage on away goals into the 2nd leg after a 1–1 draw in which Larsson scored the equaliser after missing a penalty. The 2nd leg saw Boavista attempt to play out their advantage but Larsson struck for Celtic after a one-two with John Hartson with only ten minute remaining. The goal sent Celtic through to their first European Final since 1970. The final in Seville against José Mourinho's Porto saw Celtic finish as credible runners-up after a hard fought 3–2 defeat after extra time. The match saw Larsson pick up the man of the match award after equalising twice for Celtic with two sublime headers. Larsson also finished runner-up to FC Porto's Derlei in the competition's Top Scorer Charts. Larsson described the pain of the defeat as being the worst moment of his career, including his leg break. More disappointment was to follow as Celtic finished up runners up to Rangers on the last day of the SPL season. 2003 also saw Larsson voted as the Greatest Swedish Footballer of the Last 50 Years as part of the UEFA Jubilee Awards. He also finished the season yet again the Top SPL Goalscorer with 28 goals from 35 games.

2003–04

Larsson's seventh and final season for Celtic saw the club lift the SPL Title and the Scottish Cup. After parachuting from the UEFA Champions League, Celtic also managed to reach the UEFA Cup Quarter Finals eliminating Barcelona on the way before crashing out 3–1 on aggregate to Villarreal. Larsson scored his only UEFA Champions League goal of the season against Anderlecht in a 3–1 win at Celtic Park. He added to his European goal tally with the equaliser in a 1st Leg Quarter Final tie at Celtic Park versus Villarreal. After previously having a credible goal chalked off for handball the match ended 1–1. This was to prove Larsson's final European goal for Celtic. Celtic executed their revenge for the previous season's heartache on rivals Rangers by defeating the club in all five Old Firm fixtures that season. Larsson's final Old Firm goal came in a 2–1 SPL win at Ibrox, an opening goal which was a header from a cross. Larsson's final competitive game at home for Celtic came in a league match against Dundee United. In an emotional match, Larsson scored two goals as Celtic went on to win 3–1. In his last competitive appearance for Celtic, he scored two goals (with either foot) to defeat Dunfermline Athletic and win the 2004 Scottish Cup Final. He gave a teary goodbye at his testimonial match against Sevilla in front of a capacity crowd at Celtic Park, Glasgow. In all, Larsson scored 242 goals for Celtic in 315 matches and left the club as the SPL's All-Time Leading Goalscorer with 158 goals, a record that stood until 30 December 2009 when Rangers' Kris Boyd surpassed it . He was also voted Swedish Footballer of the Year for the second time for the 2003–04 season.

Testimonials

Since leaving Celtic Park in June 2004, Larsson has returned to play for Celtic in testimonial matches twice. First in May 2005, for Jackie McNamara's testimonial against Ireland, which was also incidentally Martin O'Neill's final match in charge. His second guest appearance was in May 2008 for the Phil O'Donnell Memorial Match. Larsson played as part of the Celtic 1998 championship-winning side against the Motherwell 1991 Scottish Cup winning side. The match was played in memory of Larsson's former team mate Phil O'Donnell, who died earlier in the season in a match for Motherwell against Dundee United. Larsson, who scored in the 5–1 victory for Celtic, left Sweden's national training camp early to take part in the game.

Barcelona

Warming up for Barça

At the end of the 2003–04 season Larsson left Celtic on a free transfer and signed a one year contract with Barcelona with an option for a second year.

Larsson's played only a nominal part in Barça's La Liga win in his first season at Barcelona. He scored three goals in 12 Liga games and one goal (against his former club Celtic) in four UEFA Champions League matches. After the game he said "It was very difficult for me to celebrate my goal because I had so many great times here."[15]

Larsson playing for Barcelona against Deportivo

On 20 November 2004, during the 3–0 victory in the derby versus Real Madrid, Larsson tore the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee. Despite having missed most of the 2004–05 season, Barcelona took the option to extend his contract. In 2005–06 Larsson scored 10 goals as Barcelona won La Liga for a second consecutive year.

In January 2006, Larsson announced that at the end of his contract, which ended in July, he would leave Barcelona and return to Sweden to end his career. He revealed that he had politely refused a verbal promise by club president Joan Laporta to extend his contract to the end of the next season. News of his departure provoked praise from his teammates, including Ronaldinho, who said, "With Henrik leaving us at the end of the season this club is losing a great scorer, no question. But I am also losing a great friend. Henrik was my idol and now that I am playing next to him it is fantastic."[16]

In his final game for Barcelona, he won his first UEFA Champions League medal. Larsson came on as a substitute and assisted both of Barcelona's goals in a 2–1 win over Arsenal. Thierry Henry paid tribute to Larsson's contribution to Barcelona's win after the game, saying, "People always talk about Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Giuly and everything, but I didn't see them today, I saw Henrik Larsson. He came on, he changed the game, that is what killed the game. Sometimes you talk about Ronaldinho and Eto'o and people like that; you need to talk about the proper footballer who made the difference, and that was Henrik Larsson tonight."[17] Indeed his ability to give Barcelona the cutting edge required to overcome Arsenal was noted by the international press.[18][19]

Helsingborg

After Sweden's elimination from the 2006 World Cup on 24 June 2006, Larsson joined up with his former club, Helsingborg. He made his second debut for his home town club against Hammarby in the Swedish Cup on 6 July 2006. Helsingborg went on to win the competition earning Larsson another medal, and he helped his team to a fourth place finish in the Swedish League. This successful season earnt Helsingborg a slot in the following season's UEFA Cup.

Loan to Manchester United

Shortly after rejoining Helsingborg, Larsson was signed on loan by Manchester United. United announced that Larsson would be on loan from 1 January until 12 March 2007, coinciding with the Swedish league's off season.[20] He scored on his debut against Aston Villa in the FA Cup Third Round on 7 January 2007 at Old Trafford.[21] Larsson scored his first ever Premier League goal on 31 January in a 4–0 win over Watford.[22] Larsson then scored on his last appearance at Old Trafford in a Manchester United shirt in a 1–0 UEFA Champions League win over Lille on 7 March 2007 to give United a 2–0 win on aggregate.[23]

Whilst United were eager to extend the loan deal, Larsson stated that he had made a promise to his family and his club to return on 12 March. This was confirmed on 20 February, when Larsson announced that he would not be extending his loan period.[24] Despite this, Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for the striker, who scored three goals in 13[25] matches in all competitions during his three-month stay, saying, "He's been fantastic for us, we tried everything we could to get him to stay longer, but he made a promise and you have to respect that." Larsson made his final appearance for United on 10 March in a sixth round FA Cup tie away to Middlesbrough, ending in a 2–2 draw.

Manchester United won the Premier League two months after Larsson had left the club, and although he had not played the required quota of 10 league games to qualify for a Premier League winners medal, he, alongside Alan Smith, was granted special dispensation by the Premier League after the club requested extra medals for the two.

His last appearance at Old Trafford in fact came against United, a few days after his loan with the club expired, as captain for a Europe XI team in a UEFA Celebration Match. He received a warm ovation from the fans upon being substituted for Robbie Fowler.

Return to Helsingborg

After leaving Manchester United, Larsson resumed his career with Helsingborg. Larsson helped the club through the group stages of the UEFA Cup and they qualified for the Round of 32 losing to PSV Eindhoven.

He broke his knee-cap during the first leg of a UEFA Europa League match against FK Sarajevo on 30 July 2009 and was out for an estimated 8 weeks.

Some reports at the time suggested that this in fact was the end of his playing career. With this injury coming on top of the recent and untimely passing of his younger brother, Robert, it may have appeared to some that Henrik's resilience had finally run-out. However, as a mark of the man and his true grit, he fought back from injury and heartache. Upon his return to the first team on 24 September 2009, Larsson scored two goals, including the winner against league rivals AIK. The game finished up 3–2 to Helsingborg, and Henrik's unbroken spirit lives on.

Retirement

On 20 October 2009, Larsson announced his retirement from playing at the end of the Swedish domestic season.[26] The announcement followed a previous statement from the player declaring his intention to retire from international duty. Larsson had also stated his desire to move into coaching and expressed his intent to study for coaching badges in Scotland under the SFA system.[27] The announcement quickly sparked rumours of a return to Celtic as manager, even going so far as to suggest a link up with former Celtic team mate Lubomir Moravcik as his assistant.[28]

Further speculation began on 21 October 2009 as Larsson discussed the possibility of taking up floorball on a full-time basis,[29] as he had previously played floorball with FC (Floorball Club) Helsingborg during the football close season.

He took to the pitch for the last time in Helsingborg's 2–0 Swedish League loss to Djurgårdens IF on 28 October 2009, and was given a standing ovation from the crowd.[30][31][32]

He participated in the Soccer Aid football match on 6 June 2010 for the Rest of the World team in aid of UNICEF.

He made a promise during his active career that he would at the end of his football career, he would play one season at his first club Högaborgs BK. But when he retired at the end of 2009 season, that promised wasn't fulfilled. But as of august 2010, he has played with Högaborgs BK veteran team and scored 16 goals at five games at the time being.[33]

International career

Larsson's international record is impressive with 37 goals in 104 games, many of which he played in midfield or as a winger. He scored his first international goal in his debut, during the World Cup Qualifications stage against Finland. His first World Cup goal came at the USA 1994 against Bulgaria in the third place match to help Sweden win the bronze.

Sweden did not qualify to the 1998 World Cup, but reappeared on the global stage four years later at the 2002 World Cup. Larsson helped guide Sweden out of the group of death and into the knockout round with a 2–1 win over Nigeria in which he scored both goals. He then scored in the round of sixteen match against Senegal, though Sweden ended up losing 1–2 in extra time to a golden goal and were eliminated.

Henrik Larsson in Euro 2004

Larsson originally chose to retire from International football after that World Cup. His decision was met with much dismay in his homeland and there was much clamoring for him to return to the team for their campaign at Euro 2004 in Portugal).[34] Despite initially maintaining his decision to retire, he eventually returned to the national side at the behest of his son, and to great effect, scoring three goals in four matches and leading Sweden to the quarter-finals, where they were defeated in a penalty shootout by the Dutch. Larsson's tremendous diving header against Bulgaria was voted Best Goal of the 2004 European Championships.

Larsson also featured at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He scored in the final minute of the match against England for Sweden to draw the match 2–2 in their final game in the group stages, thus becoming only the sixth player to score in three World Cup finals. The goal also sealed Sweden's qualification for the second round of the tournament. However in Sweden's Round of 16 game against host Germany, he blasted a penalty over the bar and Sweden went out with the score at 2–0 to Germany.

He retired from international football for the second time on 17 July 2006.[35] "It is time to quit now. It feels right. I'm done with the national team," the 34-year-old Larsson told TV station Canal Plus. However, Sweden boss Lars Lagerbäck managed to lure Larsson out of international retirement once more and on 13 May 2008, the Swedish FA officially declared that Larsson had agreed to make a comeback and play for Sweden once again at Euro 2008.[36]

Following former team captain Fredrik Ljungberg's decision to quit the national side after the tournament, Larsson was chosen to become the new captain in a friendly against France on 20 August.[37] He played his 100th game for Sweden in a 0-0 draw with Albania on 6 September.

On 11 October 2009, Larsson once again decided to retire from the national team.[38]

International goals

Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 13 October 1993 Råsunda, Stockholm  Finland 2–1 3–2 1994 World Cup qualification
2 20 February 1994 Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami  United States 1–1 3–1 Joe Robbie Cup
3 20 April 1994 Racecourse Ground, Wrexham  Wales 1–0 2–0 Friendly
4 5 May 1994 Råsunda, Stockholm  Nigeria 2–0 3–1 Friendly
5 16 July 1994 Rose Bowl, Pasadena  Bulgaria 3–0 4–0 1994 World Cup 3rd place
6 17 August 1994 Råsunda, Stockholm  Lithuania 4–2 4–2 Friendly
7 1 June 1996 Råsunda, Stockholm  Belarus 5–1 5–1 1998 World Cup qualification
8 1 June 1998 Neftochimik Stadium, Burgas  Bulgaria 1–0 1–0 Euro 2000 qualification
9 27 March 1999 Ullevi, Gothenburg  Luxembourg 2–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
10 9 October 1999 Råsunda, Stockholm  Poland 2–0 2–0 Euro 2000 qualification
11 19 June 2000 Philips Stadion, Eindhoven  Italy 1–1 1–2 Euro 2000
12 7 October 2000 Ullevi, Gothenburg  Turkey 1–0 1–1 2002 World Cup qualification
13 28 February 2001 Ta'Qali Stadium, Ta'Qali  Malta 2–0 3–0 Friendly
14 6 June 2001 Ullevi, Gothenburg  Moldova 1–0 6–0 2002 World Cup qualification
15 2–0
16 3–0
17 6–0
18 15 August 2001 Råsunda, Stockholm  South Africa 1–0 3–0 Friendly
19 1 September 2001 City Stadium, Skopje  Macedonia 1–0 2–1 2002 World Cup qualification
20 5 September 2001 Ali Sami Yen Stadium, Istanbul  Turkey 1–1 2–1 2002 World Cup qualification
21 7 October 2001 Råsunda, Stockholm  Azerbaijan 2–0 3–0 2002 World Cup qualification
22 7 June 2002 Kobe Wing Stadium, Kobe  Nigeria 1–1 2–1 2002 World Cup
23 2–1
24 16 June 2002 Ōita Stadium, Ōita  Senegal 1–1 1–2 2002 World Cup Round of 16
25 5 June 2004 Råsunda, Stockholm  Poland 1–0 3–1 Friendly
26 14 June 2004 Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon  Bulgaria 2–0 5–0 Euro 2004
27 3–0
28 22 June 2004 Estádio do Bessa Século XXI, Porto  Denmark 1–1 2–2 Euro 2004
29 4 September 2004 National Stadium, Ta'Qali  Malta 7–0 7–0 2006 World Cup qualification
30 9 October 2004 Råsunda, Stockholm  Hungary 2–0 3–0 2006 World Cup qualification
31 13 October 2004 Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavík  Iceland 1–0 4–1 2006 World Cup qualification
32 3–0
33 17 August 2005 Sweden Ullevi, Gothenburg  Czech Republic 1–0 2–1 Friendly
34 12 September 2005 Sweden Råsunda, Stockholm  Iceland 2–1 3–1 2006 World Cup qualification
35 2 June 2006 Råsunda, Stockholm  Chile 1–0 1–1 Friendly
36 20 June 2006 RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne  England 2–2 2–2 2006 World Cup
37 20 August 2008 Sweden Ullevi, Gothenburg  France 1–0 2–3 Friendly

Management career

Larsson made clear his intentions to take up coaching once his playing career came to an end, having also expressed an interest in returning to Celtic in a coaching capacity.[39]

Landskrona BoIS

On 14 December 2009 Larsson was appointed manager at Landskrona BoIS[40] a Swedish second division football club and signed a contract until 30 November 2010[41].

Personal life

On 21 June 1996 he married Magdalena Spjuth[5][42] whom he had met in a restaurant at the age of 19 [8]. She is the daughter of a politician and a local authority education chief.[43] They have one son, Jordan (named after basketball player Michael Jordan[8]) and one daughter, Janice.[5][44] He has an elder half-brother, Kim [45].

On 6 June 2009, before Sweden's 1–0 loss against Denmark, Larsson's younger brother Robert Larsson was found dead in his flat in Helsingborg, in south-west Sweden. Henrik was not told until after the match had concluded.[46]

Career statistics

(correct as of 5 October 2009) (Under Revision)
Club performance League Cup Continental Total
Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Sweden League Svenska Cupen Europe Total
1989 Högaborg 21 1 – – 21 1
1990 21 7 – – 21 7
1991 32 15 – – 32 15
1992 Helsingborg Superettan 31 34 – – 31 34
1993 Allsvenskan 25 16 5 1 – 30 17
Netherlands League KNVB Cup Europe Total
1993–94 Feyenoord Eredivisie 15 1 12 5 – 27 6
1994–95 23 8 9 1 6 7 38 16
1995–96 32 10 4 1 7 1 43 12
1996–97 31 7 4 0 6 1 41 8
Scotland League Scottish Cup Europe Total
1997–98 Celtic Premier Division 35 16 4 0 2 0 46 19*
1998–99 Premier League 35 29 5 5 8 4 48 38*
1999–2000 9 7 0 0 4 5 13 12*
2000–01 37 35 6 9 5 4 50 53*
2001–02 33 29 3 2 10 4 47 35*
2002–03 35 28 2 2 12 13 52 45*
2003–04 37 30 5 5 15 5 58 40*
Spain League Copa del Rey Europe Total
2004–05 Barcelona La Liga 12 3 0 0 4 1 16 4
2005–06 28 10 4 4 10 1 42 15
Sweden League Svenska Cupen Europe Total
2006 Helsingborg Allsvenskan 15 8 5 4 – 20 12
England League FA Cup Europe Total
2006–07 Manchester United Premier League 7 1 4 1 2 1 13 3
Sweden League Svenska Cupen Europe Total
2007 Helsingborg Allsvenskan 22 9 1 0 9 9 32 18
2008 27 14 1 0 2 0 30 14
2009 17 7 1 0 4 3 21 10
Total Sweden 210 111 13 5 15 12 238 128
Netherlands 101 26 29 7 19 9 149 42
Scotland 221 174 25 23 56 35 314 242*
Spain 40 13 4 4 14 2 58 19
England 7 1 4 1 2 1 13 3
Career total 579 325 76 40 108 59 772 434*

*Include's 9 appearances and 10 goals in the Scottish League Cup.

[47]

Sweden national team
Year Apps Goals
1993 2 1
1994 14 5
1995 6 0
1996 6 1
1997 2 0
1998 7 1
1999 9 2
2000 8 2
2001 10 9
2002 8 3
2003 1 0
2004 9 8
2005 5 2
2006 6 2
2007 0 0
2008 9 1
2009 4 0
Total 106 37

Honours

Club

Feyenoord
Celtic
Barcelona
Helsingborg
Manchester United

Individual

Orders and special awards

Floorball career

Larsson also played floorball at a competitive level in 1989. On 23 November 2008, he resumed his floorball career when he played his first Swedish Super League game, for Helsingborg. In his second game for the club, he made two assists, and was voted man of the match.[51][52]

References

  1. ↑ Sydsvenskan, Henrik Larsson new manager for Landskrona, Sydsvenskan, 14 December 2009
  2. ↑ STV, Celtic legend Larsson to retire, STV, 20 July 2009
  3. ↑ "Celtic legend Larsson to swap football for floorball". STV Sport. 21 October 2009. http://sport.stv.tv/football/131656-celtic-legend-larsson-to-swap-football-for-floorball/. 
  4. ↑ Christenson, Marcus (18 May 2003). "Signing off in style: Profile: Henrik Larsson". The Observer (London: Guardian News and Media). http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2003/may/18/uefa.sport1. Retrieved 16 August 2009. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "The big interview Henrik Larsson". The Times (London). 20 April 2003. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article861668.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1. Retrieved 4 May 2010. 
  6. ↑ "Larsson: The Untold Story". Scottish Daily Record & Sunday (Scotland). 2001. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/LARSSON:+THE+UNTOLD+STORY;+I+sat+Henrik+down+at+eight+years+of+age...-a073506403. Retrieved 9 June 2010. 
  7. ↑ http://www.kidzworld.com/article/1910-henrik-larsson-bio-swedish-striker-in-2002-world-cup
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 http://www.manchestercsc.com/Ghod%20Speaks%20content.htm
  9. ↑ "1993-94: Feyenoord and the 1994 World Cup". Icons. http://www.icons.com/HL/biog.html?2. Retrieved 10 June 2007. 
  10. ↑ Henrik Larsson: His first Celtic interview, stv, 23 October 2009.
  11. ↑ Jinky best-ever Celtic player, BBC Sport, 9 September 2002
  12. ↑ McPherson, Archie (4 August 1997). "Celtic left standing by slick Charnley - Sport". London: The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/celtic-left-standing-by-slick-charnley-1243679.html. Retrieved 15 June 2009. 
  13. ↑ McNulty, Phil. Barnes bouncing back, BBC Sport, 21 February 2001
  14. ↑ Phil Gordon,"Advocaat anoints Henrik the Great", The Independent, 11 February 2001
  15. ↑ Graham Clark, Larsson's return is unhappy for Celtic, Guardian Unlimited, 15 September 2004
  16. ↑ David McCarthy, RONNIE: BARCA PAL LARSSON IS MY IDOL DailyRecord, 26 April 2006
  17. ↑ Bailey, Graeme. "Henry questions referee". http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=388106&CPID=5&clid=3&lid=4161&title=Henry+questions+referee. 
  18. ↑ Jon Brodkin, Larsson takes his leave in the grandest style, Guardian Unlimited, 18 May 2006
  19. ↑ Simon Baskett, Barca inherit 'dream team' mantle, Reuters, 18 May 2006
  20. ↑ "Man Utd capture Larsson on loan". BBC Sport. 1 December 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6198464.stm. Retrieved 10 June 2007. 
  21. ↑ "Man Utd 2-1 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. 7 December 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/6213959.stm. Retrieved 10 June 2007. 
  22. ↑ "Man Utd 4-0 Watford". BBC Sport. 31 January 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6309659.stm. Retrieved 10 June 2007. 
  23. ↑ "Man Utd 1-0 Lille". BBC Sport. 7 March 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6414981.stm. Retrieved 10 June 2007. 
  24. ↑ "Larsson snubs Man Utd extension". BBC Sport. 20 February 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6377927.stm. Retrieved 10 June 2007. 
  25. ↑ "The Website Of Dreams". Stretfordend.co.uk. http://www.stretfordend.co.uk/playermenu/larsson.html. Retrieved 15 June 2009. 
  26. ↑ "Celtic legend Larsson to retire from football". STV Sport. 20 October 2009. http://sport.stv.tv/football/131414-celtic-legend-larsson-to-retire-from-football/?. Retrieved 20 October 2009. 
  27. ↑ "Celtic legend Henrik Larsson wants to return to Parkhead as manager". Daily Record. 14 October 2009. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2009/10/14/celtic-legend-henrik-larsson-wants-to-return-to-parkhead-as-manager-86908-21745730//?. Retrieved 20 October 2009. 
  28. ↑ "Lubo Moravcik reveals ambition to link up with Henrik Larsson in Celtic management dream team". Daily Record. 15 October 2009. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2009/10/15/lubo-moravcik-reveals-ambition-to-link-up-with-henrik-larsson-in-celtic-management-dream-team-86908-21748386/. Retrieved 20 October 2009. 
  29. ↑ "Henrik Larsson set to switch sport after announcing his retirement". Daily Record. 21 October 2009. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/celtic/2009/10/21/henrik-larsson-set-to-switch-sport-after-announcing-retirement-86908-21762814/?. Retrieved 21 October 2009. 
  30. ↑ "Larsson bids emotional farewell". BBC Sport. 29 October 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8332552.stm. Retrieved 29 October 2009. 
  31. ↑ Celtic legend Larsson bows out on emotional night
  32. ↑ Henrik's crying game Evening Times
  33. ↑ . Aftonbladet website. August 22, 2010. http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/article7657681.ab. 
  34. ↑ "Larsson rejects Sweden calls". BBC Sport. 2 March 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/Celtic/3525081.stm. Retrieved 14 April 2008. 
  35. ↑ "Larsson ends international career". BBC Sport. 17 July 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/5189550.stm. Retrieved 20 February 2007. 
  36. ↑ "Larsson returns for Sweden again". BBC. 14 May 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7399871.stm. Retrieved 14 May 2008. 
  37. ↑ "Henrik Larsson kapten mot Frankrike" (in Swedish). Fotbollsexpressen.se. 18 August 2008. http://www.fotbollsexpressen.se/Nyheter/1.1269771/henrik-larsson-kapten-mot-frankrike. Retrieved 19 August 2008. 
  38. ↑ ""Henke" slutar i landslaget" (in Swedish). svd.se. 11 October 2009. http://www.svd.se/sportspel/nyheter/artikel_3635689.svd. Retrieved 13 October 2009. 
  39. ↑ "Larsson keen on Celtic coach role". BBC Sport. 14 October 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8306579.stm. Retrieved 14 October 2009. 
  40. ↑ "Larsson takes first manager's job". BBC Sport. 14 December 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8412898.stm. Retrieved 14 December 2009. 
  41. ↑ Larsson trainiert Landskrona Transfermarkt.de
  42. ↑ Alexander, Douglas (20 April 2003). "The big interview: Henrik Larsson". The Sunday Times (London: Times Newspapers): p. 4. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article861668.ece?token=null&offset=36&page=4. Retrieved 16 August 2009. 
  43. ↑ http://www.manchestercsc.com/Larsson%20Interview.htm
  44. ↑ "Regarding Henrick". The Scotsman. Johnston Press. 5 May 2005. http://sport.scotsman.com/celticfc/Regarding-Henrick.2623859.jp. Retrieved 16 August 2009. 
  45. ↑ http://www.manchestercsc.com/Larsson%20Interview.htm
  46. ↑ "Robert Larsson, brother of Henrik, dies in Helsingborg". News Group Newspapers Ltd. 8 June 2009. http://www.thesun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/2469052/Robert-Larsson-brother-of-Henrik-dies-in-Helsingborg.html. Retrieved 8 June 2009. 
  47. ↑ http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/hlarsson-intlg.html
  48. ↑ Larsson wins "Tidernas Guldboll" Svenskfotboll.se, 11 September 2005
  49. ↑ "Dr. Henrik Larsson". University of Strathclyde. 14 May 2005. http://www.strath.ac.uk/press/newsreleases/2005/headline_25894_en.html. Retrieved 3 May 2008. 
  50. ↑ "Striker Larsson to be given MBE". BBC News. 26 April 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4948030.stm. Retrieved 10 June 2007. 
  51. ↑ "Här får Henke Larsson debutera" (in Swedish). Aftonbladet. 23 November 2008. http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/innebandy/article3838457.ab. Retrieved 23 November 2008. 
  52. ↑ "Success for Henrik Larsson in floorball debut". The Local. 24 November 2008. http://www.thelocal.se/15894/20081124/. Retrieved 24 November 2008. 

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