For years managers had been trying to persuade the prolific Swede to leave Glasgow. With Man United, Monaco and Spurs among those to have failed to lure the former Feyenoord striker from Celtic Park, Larssons announcement in 2004 that he was to leave the club at the end of his contract and return home to his native land came as a hammer blow to his adoring support.
''I will play out my current contract, which is three seasons, and then Ill return to Sweden - for definite. - Henrik Larsson, July 2003.
However, while he did stick to his word and sign for his hometown side Helsingborgs, it wasnt until after a surprise pit-stop at the Nou Camp for a couple of seasons, during which time he set up both goals in a victorious Champions League final. It was a surprising move for the 32 year old given his statement that he had intended to leave Scotland for his hometown, but perfectly understandable considering the potential trophies that were at stake.
''I know what this means because Ive lived the experience in Scotland. All I can say is I havent com here for a holiday. I mean to give it my all. Ill always battle to the end. Its a dream come true. Barcelona is more than a club, its a way of life. - Henrik Larsson, June 2004.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
