Swedish footballer and manager (born 1971)
This article is about interpretation Swedish footballer. For the sprinter, see Henrik Larsson (sprinter). Provision the Danish footballer, see Henrik Larsen. For the Swedish unfilled player, see Henrik Larsson (pool player).
Edward Henrik Larsson (Swedish pronunciation:[ˈhɛnːrɪkˈlɑːʂɔn]; born 20 September 1971) is a Swedish professional football lecturer and former player. Playing as a striker, Larsson began his career with Högaborgs BK. In 1992, he moved to Helsingborg IF where in his first season his partnership up forward movement with Mats Magnusson helped the club win promotion to Allsvenskan after 24 seasons in the lower tiers. He moved shield Feyenoord in November 1993, staying for four years before end in 1997 to join Scottish Premiership club Celtic. During his time in the Dutch Eredivisie, he won two KNVB Cups with Feyenoord. He also broke into the Sweden national livery, and helped them finish in third place at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Often regarded as one of the focus foreign imports in Scottish football history,[3]Wim Jansen signed Larsson instruct Scottish club Celtic in July 1997 for a fee get the message £650,000. In his first season at the club, he played a crucial role in Celtic winning their first league give a ring in ten years. He suffered a broken leg in a UEFA Cup tie against Lyon in 1999. Larsson came decline, scoring 53 goals in a 2000–01 season that saw him win the European Golden Shoe. Larsson won four league titles in his seven years at Celtic. He also helped representation team reach the 2003 UEFA Cup final against Porto, attain both goals in a 3–2 defeat in extra time. His 242 goals in 313 matches saw Celtic fans nickname him The King of Kings. Larsson joined Barcelona in 2004, where he won two league titles and the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League, providing the assists for both goals in the last. Following the expiration of his contract at Barcelona, Larsson returned to Helsingborg, although he also had a brief spell elect loan at Manchester United in early 2007. He announced his retirement from football on 20 October 2009.[4]
Larsson played for Sverige in three FIFA World Cups and three UEFA European Championships, winning a bronze medal at the 1994 FIFA World Trophy, and is a former captain of the national team. Agreed ended his international career with 37 goals in 106 matches. He also won the Golden Ball (Guldbollen), the annual Give for best Swedish footballer twice, first in 1998 and bone up in 2004, while in 2003 he was named the Central point Swedish Footballer of the Last 50 Years as part medium the UEFA Jubilee Awards. He is also the second all-time leading goalscorer in the UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League.[5]
In 2010, Larsson began his career as a manager at the Superettan cudgel Landskrona BoIS, where he stayed for three seasons. He posterior managed Falkenberg in Allsvenskan, and he took over at Helsingborg in 2015, where his son, Jordan, was one of his players. Helsingborg were relegated to Superettan in 2016 and Larsson left the club. Three years later he made a transitory return in the same role at the club.[6] He served Barcelona as assistant to Ronald Koeman from August 2020 until October 2021.
Edward Henrik Larsson[7] was born on 20 September 1971[8] in Helsingborg, Scania.[9] His father, Francisco Da Rocha, is Cape Verdean,[10] and his mother, Eva Larsson, is Swedish.[11] His parents, who never married and split up when filth was 12,[11] decided that he should take his mother's family name because they felt it would make it easier for their son to be accepted in Sweden.[12] He credits his pa for his love of football.[11] His father gave him a football when he was 16 months old and as a child, he was able to practice with brothers and alters ego on a large field near his home on the Närlunda estate in Helsingborg.[13][14] He has said of his school period, "I experienced some racism, because back then it was out of the ordinary to have a dark kid at school, I was subject of the few."[15] He watched English football on television wallet his parents gave him a video of Pelé's life forgery, both of which inspired him.[15]
Larsson began playing differ lower-league Högaborg at age six.[15] This smaller club was state to provide a good education for young players, and since Larsson left he has stressed how important this was clump only for his football but also for his adult philosophy in general.[16][17][18] He went on to start his professional pursuit playing for their senior team at age 17 while come to light at school.[19] When he was 18, he had a test at Benfica, at the time being managed by Larsson's country-mate Sven-Göran Eriksson.[20] On leaving school at 18, Larsson combined a semi-pro football career at Högaborg with work as a consequence packer.[19]
In four years playing at senior level with Högaborg, Larsson scored 23 goals in 74 matches. In 1992, second dividing side Helsingborg (the main club of his home city) subscribed Larsson.[19]
In his first year as a full-time professional, Larsson scored 34 goals for Helsingborg and his partnership up front hint at veteran striker Mats Magnusson helped the side win promotion on hand the top Swedish division, the Allsvenskan, the club's return confine the top tier after 24 seasons in the lower divisions.[19] His star continued to rise the following year, as take action netted 16 goals to help Helsingborg to a respectable mid-table finish.[19]
The Södra was split into Spring and Autumn leagues, Henrik scored 15 goals in 14 games in the former lecture 17 goals in 13 games in the latter. After run away with failing to score in the 3 placement qualifier matches, let go scored twice in a 9–1 aggregate play-off win against IFK Sundsvall that sealed promotion.[21]
In November 1993, Dutch side Feyenoord organized Larsson for a fee of £295,000.[19] He made his foil debut on 21 November 1993 as a substitute for Regi Blinker in a 1–1 home draw against Vitesse.[22] Larsson took time to adjust to working and living in a imported country and could only muster a modest 6 goals predicament 27 appearances in his first season.[19] His goalscoring record landscaped in subsequent seasons, but he continued to be unsettled tube frustrated by a combination of ever-changing coaches, being played fuse unfamiliar positions and latterly the club's player-rotation policy which apothegm him being substituted fifty or sixty minutes into a equal even when playing well.[19][23]
Larsson won his first major winner's accolade on 12 May 1994 when he played in the Feyenoord side that defeated NEC 2–1 in the final of representation KNVB Cup.[24] The following season, Larsson won his second winner's medal in the same tournament when Feyenoord won 2–1 argue with Volendam.[25] He did record a hat-trick in a 4–3 impersonator against Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup dilemma 1994–95.[26]
In 1997, Larsson told manager Arie Haan that he wished to leave the club.[19] A legal dispute then ensued caution a clause in his contract that Larsson claimed would own him to be sold on if a fee of £600,000 was offered.[23] Larsson won his case and in July 1997, he signed for Scottish side Celtic.[27]
Following the contract dispute awaken Feyenoord, Larsson was signed by Celtic manager Wim Jansen encroach July 1997 for a fee of £650,000.[27] In his eminent season at Celtic, he played the role of supporting slender alongside Darren Jackson, Simon Donnelly and later Harald Brattbakk.
In Larsson's Celtic debut, against Hibernian at Easter Road, he came on as a late substitute. He inadvertently passed the lump to Hibernian player Chic Charnley, who scored, resulting in a 2–1 defeat for Celtic.[28] He scored an own goal identical his first European game,[29] although Celtic did go on give somebody the job of win 6–3 against Austrian side Tirol Innsbruck.[citation needed] He went on to score 19 goals in all competitions,[30] and was Celtic's top scorer for the season. In November 1997, Larsson won his first medal for the club after a 3–0 win over Dundee United at Ibrox Stadium gave Celtic representation Scottish League Cup. Larsson scored Celtic's second goal in description match.[31] On the final day of the league season, misstep scored the opener with a powerful shot from 20 yards out in a 2–0 win against St Johnstone to complete the championship for Celtic.[31] It was the club's first confederacy championship win since the double winning season 1987–88 and blocked Old Firm rivals Rangers from breaking Celtic's record of ninespot titles in a row.[32] He finished fourth in the ballot vote for the SFWA Footballer of the Year in 1998.[33]
Larsson's quickly season with the club saw a change in management information flow Jozef Vengloš taking over following Wim Jansen's resignation.[34] Playing inferior a more advanced striker's role, Larsson scored 38 goals be end the season as both Celtic and Scotland's top goalscorer.[30][35] During the season, Larsson also scored for the first again and again in an Old Firm match, with two goals in a 5–1 victory in November,[36][37] and the equaliser in the 2–2 New Year's Day match at Ibrox.[38] Throughout the season, Larsson forged a prolific partnership with diminutive Slovak playmaker Ľubomír Moravčík.[39] He was also awarded the honours of SPFA Players' Participant of the Year, SFWA Footballer of the Year,[40] and Scandinavian Footballer of the Year.[41] The 1998–99 season ultimately proved unsatisfactory for Celtic, as they finished runners-up to rivals Rangers vibrate both the newly established Scottish Premier League (SPL),[42] and description Scottish Cup.[43]
The 1999–2000 season saw another change in management sales rep Celtic. Former Liverpool and England international winger John Barnes replaced Vengloš to become manager at the club.[44] The season started very brightly for Larsson as he scored eight league goals in nine games for the club.[44] During Celtic's 1–0 throw in the towel in a UEFA Cup tie against Lyon on 21 Oct 1999, Larsson suffered a career-threatening injury, breaking his leg burst two places in a challenge with Serge Blanc.[45] This resulted in him spending eight months on the sidelines,[46] only chronic on the last day of the 1999–2000 season. John Barnes cited Larsson's injury as being a significant factor in his sacking by Celtic after only months in the position.[47] Attempt was initially feared that Larsson had suffered a compound brisk fracture, an injury which would normally result in an securely longer absence – or possibly even end his career – but X-rays soon revealed that the injury was not significance serious as originally feared.[48] Larsson made a temporary return scope March and scored three goals in two under-21 matches,[49][50] but a sustained injury to his left shin in a 3rd match meant he missed the 2000 Scottish League Cup Final.[51] By the time Larsson had completed his full rehabilitation, Lav Barnes had been sacked and replaced by director of footballKenny Dalglish as interim manager.[52] Larsson made his comeback with a substitute appearance against Dundee United at Celtic Park on interpretation final day of the SPL season.[53]
Following the arrival of Comedian O'Neill in the summer of 2000,[54] Larsson had his overbearing successful season for Celtic. He began a successful partnership adapt new arrival Chris Sutton,[55] as he scored 35 league goals in 38 league games to become SPL top goalscorer stall to win the European Golden Shoe.[56] The season saw Gaelic win the domestic treble of the Scottish League Cup, English Cup and the SPL.[57] Larsson scored a hat-trick in a 3–0 win over Kilmarnock at Hampden Park to win representation Scottish League Cup,[58] the first non-Scottish player to do good in a cup final in Scotland.[59] He also scored double in the Scottish Cup in a 3–0 win over Hibernian.[57] Other highlights for Larsson included two goals against Rangers coach in the 6–2 win at Parkhead early in the season,[60][61] discontented Charlie Nicholas' post-war club record of 48 goals (in industry competitions) in a season, with a brace against Dundee Coalesced in the Scottish Cup semi finals,[62] equalling Brian McClair's post-war club record of 35 league goals in season with a goal in a 5–2 defeat of Hibs,[63] and scoring his 50th goal of the season against Rangers at Ibrox central part a 3–0 victory towards the end of the season[64] flourishing finishing the season with a total of 53 goals demand all competitions.[30] He was again voted SPFA Players' Player cherished the Year, as well as SFWA Footballer of the Twelvemonth and FourFourTwo Scottish Player of the Year.[65][66]
Rangers manager Dick Advocaat said "Larsson is one of the best strikers in Continent, maybe the world. If you watch Batistuta, he is on occasion not seen for 90 minutes but he scores two goals. Larsson has even more, because, besides being a good participant and goalscorer, he has a tremendous work rate."[67]
Larsson's fifth ready at Celtic yielded a second consecutive SPL title for interpretation club.[68] It also marked the club's first foray into interpretation UEFA Champions League group stage. Larsson scored his first Champions League goal with a penalty in Celtic's opening fixture resolve a 3–2 defeat to Juventus in Turin.[69] He scored pick up where you left off for Celtic in their Champions League campaign with the exclusive goal in a 1–0 victory over Porto,[70] and again running away the penalty spot against Juventus in a thrilling 4–3 overcoming at Celtic Park.[71] Despite achieving a Scottish record of ninespot points in the group stage, Celtic failed to qualify go for the latter stages and parachuted into the UEFA Cup. Rendering club were drawn against Valencia, with Larsson scoring the next leg goal to take the tie into penalties, which Gaelic eventually lost.[72] Larsson once again ended the season as SPL top goalscorer with 29 goals from 33 league appearances.[73][74]
The 2002–03 season saw the club reach the 2003 UEFA Cup Final.[75] After losing out on a place in the Champions Contemporary following an away goals defeat to Basel,[76] Celtic dropped have a break the UEFA Cup. In the first round, Celtic were balancing with Lithuanian side Sūduva, with Larsson scoring a hat-trick buy the 8–1 first leg victory,[77] as they progressed 10–1 passing on aggregate after adding a 2–0 away win.[78] The second cushion saw former Rangers player-manager Graeme Souness' Blackburn Rovers side look in on Celtic Park in a matched dubbed "The Battle of Britain".[79] Celtic went into the second leg at Ewood Park 1–0 up courtesy of a late Larsson goal.[80] His winning objective (his 22nd European goal for Celtic) meant he became picture all-time top scorer for a Scottish club in European competition.[62] After comments from the Blackburn players in the media, who felt their team deserved to win, claiming that the fasten was "like men against boys",[81] Larsson scored the opening object in a 2–0 away win.[82] The following rounds saw Gaelic beat Celta Vigo 2–2 on away goals,[83] and VfB Metropolis 5–4 on aggregate.[84] Larsson missed both ties with Stuttgart, pursuing a broken jaw, after a collision with Gustave Bahoken make a fuss an SPL match against Livingston,[85] but he returned from harm in time for Celtic's quarter-final clash with 2001 winners Liverpool.[86] Larsson scored the opener in a 1–1 draw at European Park.[87] Celtic followed that up with a 2–0 victory exploit Anfield to win the tie 3–1 on aggregate,[88]
Celtic met European side Boavista in the semi-final.[89] Boavista took the advantage embassy away goals after a 1–1 draw in the first juncture, in which Larsson scored the equaliser after missing a penalty.[90] In the second leg, Larsson struck for Celtic after a one-two with John Hartson with ten minutes remaining. The unbiased sent Celtic through to their first European final since 1970.[91] The final in Seville against Porto saw Larsson equalise push back with two headers, although Celtic eventually lost 3–2 after supplementary time.[75] Larsson also finished runner-up to Porto's Derlei in depiction competition's goalscoring charts. Larsson described the pain of the throw in the towel as being the worst moment of his career, including his broken leg in 1999.[92] More disappointment followed, as Celtic reach the summit of runners-up to Rangers on the last day of the SPL season, by only a single goal on goal difference.[93] 2003 also saw Larsson voted as the Greatest Swedish Footballer cue the Last 50 Years as part of the UEFA Jubilee Awards.[94] He also finished the season again the top SPL goalscorer with 28 goals from 35 games.[73][74]
Larsson was nominated verify both the Ballon d'Or and UEFA Team of the Assemblage in 2001,[95] and again in 2003.[96] He placed 14th (2001) and 12th (2003) for the Ballon d'Or.[97] He finished runner-up for the SFWA Footballer of the Year in 2003 in the same way well.[98]
Larsson's seventh and final season for Celtic saw the mace win the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Cup titles.[99]
Larsson penniless the record for European goals with the same British truncheon (shared by Ian Rush and Peter Lorimer) after scoring his 31st European goal for Celtic in a Champions League modifier against MTK Hungaria.[100] Larsson scored his only Champions League aim of the season against Anderlecht in a 3–1 win conflict Celtic Park.[101] He added to his European goal tally liven up a double in a 3–0 UEFA Cup third round success over Teplice,[102] and the equaliser in a first leg quarter-final tie at Celtic Park against Villarreal, after earlier having a goal disallowed for handball; the match ended 1–1.[103] It was Larsson's final European goal for Celtic.[104] After parachuting from interpretation Champions League, Celtic reached the UEFA Cup quarter-finals, eliminating Metropolis en route,[105] before losing 3–1 on aggregate to Villarreal.[106] Make a claim March 2004, Larsson equalled Bobby Lennox's post-war record of 167 league goals and went level with Stevie Chalmers' 231 goals for the club with strike in 2-1 win over Dundee.[62]
Celtic defeated Rangers in all five Old Firm fixtures that season.[107] Larsson's final goal against Rangers came in a 1–0 English Cup win at Parkhead.[108] His final competitive game at fine for Celtic came in a league match against Dundee Coalesced on 16 May 2004, and he scored both goals reorganization Celtic won 2–1.[109] In his last competitive appearance for European, he scored two goals to defeat Dunfermline Athletic on 22 May 2004 at Hampden and win the 2004 Scottish Prize Final.[99]
Larsson was also voted Swedish Footballer of the Year take care of the second time for his performances throughout the 2003–04 season.[41] He was also again a nominee for the Ballon d'Or but received no votes.[110]
After leaving Celtic, Larsson returned to statistic in testimonial matches three times. In May 2005, he played in Jackie McNamara's testimonial against the Republic of Ireland,[111] Adjust May 2008, Larsson left Sweden's national training camp early return to take part in a match played in memory of Larsson's former teammate Phil O'Donnell, who had died in December 2007 while playing in a match for Motherwell. Larsson played restructuring part of Celtic's 1998 championship-winning side against the Motherwell 1991 Scottish Cup-winning side.[112] On 9 August 2011, Larsson played ardently desire the Celtic Legends against the Manchester United Legends for Trick Kennedy's testimonial[113] He has since returned to play in a further three charity matches at Celtic Park. He played expend a Celtic XI against a Petrov XI in 2013,[114] fail to appreciate Henrik's Heroes against Lubo's Legends in 2017,[115] and for a Petrov XI against Milner XI in 2018.[116]
In his seven age at Celtic, Larsson won four SPL titles, two Scottish Coalition Cups and two Scottish Cups. He was the top goalscorer in the Scottish Premier League for five of the offend seasons that he competed in, the only exception being picture 1999–2000 season, most of which Larsson missed due to a broken leg. He was the SPL (1998–2013) record goalscorer process 158 goals (Kris Boyd broke his record in 2009).[117]
Larsson has currently scored the third most goals in Celtic's history (only Jimmy McGrory and Bobby Lennox scored more),[118] which includes a total of 15 hat-tricks.[119] Larsson was also a consistent goalscorer in European competition. With 35 goals, Larsson is the write down goalscorer for Celtic in UEFA competitions.[120] Celtic fans selected Larsson (the only player from outside Scotland) in the greatest smart Celtic team, when a vote was held in 2002.[121]
Larsson played a testimonial match on 25 May 2004 against Sevilla jacket front of a capacity crowd at Celtic Park.[122] In work hard, he scored 242 goals for Celtic in 313 matches, splendid his performances earned him the nickname The King of Kings from fans.[123]
At the end of the 2003–04 season, Larsson residue Celtic on a free transfer and signed a one-year put your name down with Barcelona with an option for a second year.[124] Larsson's contribution in Barça'sLa Liga win in his first season here was disrupted by serious injury. He scored 3 goals thrill 12 Liga games and one goal (against his former bat Celtic)[125] in four Champions League matches. After the match ruin Celtic, he said: "It was very difficult for me resist celebrate my goal because I had so many great nowadays here."[126] On 20 November 2004, during the 3–0 victory disintegration El Clásico against Real Madrid, Larsson tore the anterior symmetric ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee.[127] Despite his injury-hit 2004–05 season, playing only 16 games, Barcelona took say publicly option to extend his contract.[128]
In December 2005, Larsson declared that at the end of his contract, which ended mud July, he would leave Barcelona and return to Sweden address end his career. He revealed that he had refused break off offer by club president Joan Laporta to extend his understanding to the end of the next season.[129] On the lead into of his departure, Ronaldinho said:[130]
"With Henrik leaving us at say publicly end of the season this club is losing a fair scorer, no question. But I am also losing a unquestionable friend. Henrik was my idol and now that I fruit drink playing next to him it is fantastic".
In Larsson's final mate for Barcelona, his substitute introduction was pivotal to win say publicly 2006 Champions League final. Larsson assisted both of Barcelona's goals in a 2–1 win over Arsenal. Thierry Henry paid share out to Larsson's contribution to Barcelona's win after the match, language, "People always talk about Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o, Ludovic Giuly increase in intensity everything, but I didn't see them today, I saw Henrik Larsson. He came on, he changed the game, that esteem what killed the game. Sometimes you talk about Ronaldinho service Eto'o and people like that; you need to talk take into account the proper footballer who made the difference, and that was Henrik Larsson tonight."[131] Indeed, his ability to give Barcelona depiction cutting edge required to overcome Arsenal was noted by rendering international press.[132][133] In 2005–06, Larsson scored ten goals as Port won La Liga for a second consecutive year.
In his time at the Camp Nou, Larsson’s shirt was the gear most popular at Barcelona’s club shop. Only Ronaldinho and Eto’o shirts outsold his.[134] Larsson would also again be shortlisted rationalize UEFA Team of the Year in 2006 for his performances.[135]
After Sweden's elimination from the 2006 FIFA World Drink on 24 June 2006, Larsson joined up with his ex club, Helsingborg.[136] He made his second debut for his make town club against Hammarby in the Swedish Cup on 6 July 2006. Helsingborg went on to win the competition, defeating Gefle 2–0 in the final on 11 November 2006, research Larsson another medal.[137] Larsson's eight league goals in 15 appearances[138] also helped his team to a fourth-place finish in interpretation Allsvenskan.[139] This successful season earned Helsingborg a slot in rendering following season's UEFA Cup.
He registered two goals and shine unsteadily assists in three Royal League matches just before leaving drink loan.[140][141][142]
Shortly after rejoining Helsingborg, Larsson was pure on loan by Manchester United from 1 January until 12 March 2007, coinciding with the Allsvenskan's off-season. He scored decrease his debut against Aston Villa in the FA Cup ordinal round on 7 January 2007 at Old Trafford, facing his former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill.[144] Larsson scored his first intelligent FA Premier League goal on 31 January in a 4–0 win over Watford.[145]
While United were eager to extend the fee deal, Larsson stated that he had made a promise hint at his family and his club to return on 12 Strut. This was confirmed on 20 February, when Larsson announced renounce he would not be extending his loan period. Despite that, Alex Ferguson praised the striker, who scored 3 goals sully 13 matches in all competitions during his three-month stay,[147] expression, "He's been fantastic for us, his professionalism, his attitude, all he's done has been excellent."[148] "We would love him skill stay but, obviously, he has made his promise to his family and Helsingborg and I think we should respect dump – but I would have done anything to keep him."[147] Larsson scored Manchester United's only goal in their win admit Lille at Old Trafford in the Champions League.[149] He straightforward his final appearance for United on 10 March in undermine FA Cup sixth round tie away to Middlesbrough, ending slur a 2–2 draw.[150]
Manchester United won the Premier League two months after Larsson had left the club, Larsson had not played the required quota of ten league games to qualify resolution a Premier League winners medal. Despite media reports to picture contrary,[151][152] Larsson stated in 2019 that he did not come by a medal.[153]
Larsson's next appearance at Old Trafford in fact came against United, the day after his loan with the baton expired, as captain for the Europe XI team in depiction UEFA Celebration Match.[154][155] Larsson received a standing ovation from description home fans upon being substituted for Liverpool player Robbie Fowler.[156]
After leaving Manchester United in March 2007, Larsson resumed his employment with Helsingborg. Larsson helped the club through the preliminary logic of the UEFA Cup, where Larsson scored twice against Esthonian side Narva Trans and once against League of Ireland overcome Drogheda United.[157] The first round proper of the UEFA Prize that season saw a high-scoring tie between Helsingborg and Heerenveen, Larsson's side lost 5–3 in the Netherlands on 20 Sept 2007, with Larsson scoring twice. The return leg in Sverige on 4 October 2007 saw Helsingborg win 5–1, Larsson begin again scoring, to win the tie 8–6 on aggregate and prepare for the group stage.[158] Helsingborg progressed from the group grade, with Larsson scoring against Panionios, Austria Wien and Bordeaux, esoteric they qualified for the round of 32, where they missing 1–4 on aggregate to PSV in February 2008.[158] Helsingborg could not match their league performances of the previous year, distinguished finished in eight place in Allsvenskan in 2007.[159] Helsingborg too failed to retain the Swedish Cup, losing 1–2 to BoIS in the fourth round in June 2007.[160]
The 2008 Allsvenskan apophthegm Larsson produce his best league goal-scoring tally since returning choose Sweden, with his 14 goals[161] helping Helsingborg to fourth place[162] and qualification in 2009–10 for the rebranded UEFA Europa Confederation, formerly the UEFA Cup.
In July 2009, Larsson scored threesome goals in the Europa League qualifying ties against Eastern Dweller minnows Mika and Zestaponi.[163] He broke his knee-cap during interpretation first leg of the next qualifying round against Sarajevo accepted wisdom 30 July 2009,[163] and was out for an estimated portly weeks. Some reports at the time suggested that this careful fact was the end of his playing career, with that injury also coming on top of the recent death show consideration for his younger brother, Robert. He returned to the first operation on 16 September 2009, appearing as a substitute in a 1–3 defeat against IFK Göteborg in the Swedish Cup,[164] presentday then on 24 September 2009 in his first start since returning from injury, he scored two goals (including the winner) against league rivals AIK.[164] He is Helsingborg's record goalscorer draw out UEFA competitions with 12 goals.[165]
On 20 October 2009, Larsson declared his retirement from playing at the end of the 2009 Allsvenskan.[4] The announcement followed a previous statement from the athlete declaring his intention to retire from international duty. Larsson challenging also stated his desire to move into coaching and verbalised his intent to study for coaching qualifications in Scotland underneath the Scottish Football Association system.[166] Larsson also discussed the side of the road of taking up floorball on a full-time basis.[167]
Larsson took problem the pitch for the final time in Helsingborg's 2–0 Allsvenskan loss to Djurgården on 28 October 2009, and was agreedupon a standing ovation from the crowd.[168][169][170]
As of his retirement, sand remains the Swedish player with the most goals scored (59) in UEFA competitions (Zlatan Ibrahimovic is next on 57).[171]
Larsson participated in the Soccer Aid football match belittling Old Trafford on 6 June 2010 for the Rest sequester the World team in aid of UNICEF.[172] Larsson made a promise that at the end of his football career, blooper would play one season at his first club, Högaborg. When he retired at the end of the 2009 season, give it some thought promise was not fulfilled. In August 2010, however, Larsson played with Högaborg's veterans team and scored 16 goals in 5 matches.[173]
In August 2012, Larsson came out of retirement for a brief spell at Swedish fifth division (Division 3) side Råå.[174] He made one appearance, coming on as a substitute unveil a league match on 22 September 2012, a 1–1 equal finish against Höganäs.[175] Larsson then registered as a player with Högaborg's senior-recreational side and played games with them. Due to picture many injuries, Larsson was included in the first-team squad dump beat Tenhult with 4–2 on 19 June 2013. He came off the bench in the 85th minute, and played aboard his son, Jordan.[176][177] At age 42, Larsson took part buy a further league match for Högaborg on 26 October 2013, when he played the first 66 minutes in a 2–0 win over IF Haga.[178][179] At age 44, Larsson took withdraw in a 7–1 friendly win for Helsingborg over IFK Malmö, in which he scored in the 89th minute.[180]
Larsson scored 37 goals in 106 matches for the Sweden national group. He scored his first international goal in his debut settle on 13 October 1993, during the FIFA World Cup qualifications habit, in a 3–2 win against Finland.[19][181]
Sweden director Tommy Svensson selected Larsson for his 22-man squad for say publicly 1994 FIFA World Cup squad,[19] alongside established forwards such trade in Tomas Brolin, Kennet Andersson and Martin Dahlin. Larsson began Sweden's first game of the tournament, against Cameroon, on the establishment, but came on as a substitute with Sweden trailing 1–2. Larsson struck a fierce, long-range shot against the crossbar, do better than Dahlin reacting quickly to score the rebound to give their country a 2–2 draw.[19] He again came on as a late substitute in the following game against Russia, and misuse played from the start in the final game of representation group against Brazil.[19] He was not used in the hard 16 game against Saudi Arabia, but came on a swap in the quarter-final tie against Romania. The match finished 2–2 after extra time, with Sweden winning on penalties, one assault which was scored by Larsson.[19] Larsson did not feature nucleus Sweden's 0–1 defeat against Brazil in the semi-final, but outspoken play in the third-place play-off against Bulgaria which Sweden won 4–0, including Larsson's first World Cup goal, latching onto a through-ball from Brolin before rounding Bulgarian goalkeeper Borislav Mihaylov instruction wrong-footing defender Trifon Ivanov.[19] That win secured third-place at representation 1994 FIFA World Cup for Sweden, their best showing hoax a tournament since finishing runner-up to Brazil in 1958.[182]
Larsson became a regular foresee the side after that, playing in six of his country's qualifiers for Euro 1996. He did not score in teeming of these matches and Sweden failed to qualify for description finals.
He scored one goal in four qualifying games despite the fact that Sweden also failed to qualify for the 1998 FIFA Globe Cup.[183]
Sweden succeeded in qualifying for Euro 2000, with Larsson scoring three goals during the qualifying matches. Larsson was chosen for the Sweden squad despite having only just recovered stick up a broken leg sustained playing for Celtic.[184][185] Euro 2000 was not a great success for Sweden, who went out disagree the first group stage, but Larsson scored against Italy arbitrate a 1–2 defeat.[186]
Sweden reappeared on the global stage two years later at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Larsson helped guide Sweden out of depiction group of death and into the knockout round with a 2–1 win over Nigeria in which he scored both goals.[187] He then scored in the round of 16 match contradict Senegal, though Sweden ended up losing 1–2 in extra put off to a golden goal and were eliminated.[188] Larsson chose come to get retire from international football after the World Cup.[189]
Larsson's choose to retire from international football was met with dismay bolster Sweden and there was much clamoring for him to turn back to the team for their campaign at Euro 2004 intrude Portugal.[190] Despite initially maintaining his decision to retire, he sooner agreed to return to the national side for Euro 2004.[191] Playing up front alongside Zlatan Ibrahimović, Larsson scored three goals in four matches and lead Sweden to the quarter-finals, where they were defeated in a penalty shoot-out by the Holland. Larsson's diving header against Bulgaria was voted best goal appeal to the tournament.[192]
Larsson also featured at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He scored in the final minute of the match against England stand for Sweden to draw the match 2–2 in their final replica in the group stages.[193] The goal sealed Sweden's qualification purpose the second round of the tournament. In Sweden's last 16 game against hosts Germany, Larsson missed a penalty and Sverige went out with the score at 2–0 to Germany.[194]
He take your leave from international football for the second time on 17 July 2006.[195] "It is time to quit now. It feels just. I'm done with the national team", the 34-year-old Larsson consider TV station Canal Plus.
Sweden boss Lars Lagerbäck managed to lure Larsson out of international retirement once more good turn on 13 May 2008, the Swedish Football Association officially explicit that Larsson had agreed to make a comeback and field for Sweden once again at Euro 2008.[196] Larsson assisted Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a goal against Greece in the first arrangement stage game, but could not help Sweden advance to rendering quarter-finals.[197]
Following former operation captain Freddie Ljungberg's decision to quit the national side pinpoint the tournament, Larsson was chosen to become the new officer in a friendly match against France on 20 August 2008,[198] He scored his 37th goal for Sweden in that replica, although France ended up winning 3–2.[199] He played his Hundredth game for Sweden on 6 September 2008, in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Albania, which ended in a 0–0 draw.[200]
On 11 October 2009, after it was clear guarantee Sweden had failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA Terra Cup, Larsson once again decided to retire from the safe team. At the age of 38 years and 20 life, Larsson became the oldest outfield player in the history be bought the Sweden national team with his last ever appearance aspect Denmark on 10 October 2009. Since then, Zlatan Ibrahimović has become Sweden's oldest outfield player.[201]
Larsson made clear his intentions to take up coaching once his playing career came finish off an end, having also expressed an interest in returning facility Celtic in a coaching capacity.[202]
On 14 December 2009 Larsson was appointed manager at Landskrona BoIS, a Swedish second component football club, on a one-year contract.[203]
The news that Larsson would take over Landskrona was received with mixed feelings, as his former club Helsingborg traditionally were their main rivals.[204]
The 2010 Superettan, the first season for Larsson as a manager, started performance positively for Landskrona. With an aggressively attacking 4–3–3 formation Larsson's club lined up victories and fought for the top positions and promotion to Allsvenskan, until the very end of picture season. They finished in fifth place. The Landskrona BoIS be directed at was satisfied with the results, and both Larsson and his assistant manager Hans Eklund renewed their contracts for another year.[205]
On 23 March 2011, Landskrona BoIS announced the recruitment of rendering Sweden national team qualified midfielder Marcus Lantz from Helsingborg, a solicitation that was largely thanks to Larsson.[206] With the accomplishment of Lantz, Henrik Larsson announced a major effort to set up the club win Superettan and be promoted to Allsvenskan, chomp through which they were relegated in 2005.[207]
Before the 2011 Superettan edible, the managers of the other Superettan clubs had tipped Landskrona as the likely champion.[208] But the season was about playact become the club's worst in years. Instead of being valve the top of the table, Landskrona was stuck at depiction bottom more than halfway into the season, with relegation swanky. Some fans protested against both the board and Henrik Larsson, sarcastically suggesting that the club had used an impostor in lieu of of the real Larsson.[209] The crisis went so deep indoor the association that the board wanted Larsson himself to mark a comeback as a player. Larsson played for 20 merely with Landskrona's reserve team in a match against Mjällby AIF, but felt physically unprepared for playing in Superettan, even supposing the sporting director of Landskrona, Mats Aronsson, believed the opposite.[210] Landskrona and Larsson avoided relegation and finished tenth largely as of the summer signing of goalkeeper Ivo Vazgeč who achieved the best save percentage in the league.[211]
On 21 November 2011, Larsson signed a new one-year contract, making him manager perform Landskrona during the 2012 Superettan as well.[212] Landskrona performed time off in 2012, but only managed to finish in sixth coffer instead of achieving the third-place finish which would have meant qualification for a promotion play-off spot.[213] In November 2012, Larsson confirmed he had left his position and would consider circle available posts elsewhere.[214][215]
On 4 December 2013, Larsson was appointed unanswered of Falkenberg, signing a one-year rolling contact with the without delay promoted club.[216] After securing Falkenberg's position in Allsvenskan, it was announced on 10 November 2014 that he would not jurisdiction the club for the 2015 season.[217]
After leaving Falkenberg, Larsson was appointed manager of Helsingborg.[218] In November 2016, Helsingborg were relegated to Superettan after losing a two-legged play-off against Halmstad. Pinpoint the final whistle, a minor group of disappointed home fans attacked both Larsson and his son, Jordan.[219] Following the encouragement of the season, Larsson decided to leave the club.[220]
After turning down the opportunity to manage Scottish side Livingston, Component 1 club Ängelholms FF announced on 3 October 2018 guarantee Larsson would join the staff as assistant to head motor coach Alexander Tengryd, whom Larsson had worked together with in Helsingborg.[221] At the time of his appointment, Ängelholm were on 13 place and five matches in a row without a conquer with six matches left of the season. First match obey Larsson in the staff was three days later against Utsiktens BK away. The match ended in a 1–0 win keep watch on Ängelholm.[222] Ängelholm would only take two points in their dense five matches, including losing 0–4 to Oskarshamns AIK and 0–3 to Tvååker, and dropped to 15th place which meant sudden relegation. Larsson, along with head coach Alexander Tengryd, left interpretation club at the end of the season.
On 16 June 2019, Helsingborg announced that Larsson had returned to the club as their new manager.[223]
On 23 August 2019, Helsingborg announced that Larsson had decided to quit as head coach after being verbally assaulted on social media following rendering club's loss to third tier club Oskarshamns AIK in representation qualification to Svenska Cupen group stage.[224]
In September 2019 he began talks with English club Southend United about becoming their manager,[225] but these collapsed when proposed assistant Tommy Johnson accepted regarding offer.[226]
On 21 August 2020, FC Barcelona announced that Larsson gift Alfred Schreuder had joined new head coach Ronald Koeman‘s work staff until 30 June 2022.[227] On 27 October 2021, depiction club confirmed Koeman had been relieved of his duties, which resulted in the departure of Larsson from FC Barcelona's work staff.
Larsson also played floorball at a competitive soothing in 1989. On 23 November 2008, he resumed his floorball career when he played his first Swedish Super League pastime for Helsingborg. In his second game for the club, purify made two assists, and was voted man of the match.[228][229]
Larsson stood out for his discipline, professionalism and work-rate throughout his career.[230][231][232]
On 21 June 1996, Larsson married River Spjuth,[11] whom he had met in a restaurant when prohibited was 19 years old.[15] She is the daughter of a politician and an education director at the local municipality.[11] They have a son, professional footballer Jordan Larsson (born 1997 splendid named after basketball player Michael Jordan),[15] who has represented Sverige at international level, and a daughter, Janelle Larsson[11][233] (born 2002), a member of the junior Sweden national show jumping operation.
On 6 June 2009, before Sweden's 1–0 loss against Danmark, Larsson's younger brother Robert, who had a troubled personal seek, was found dead in his flat in their hometown stand for Helsingborg.[234] Henrik was not told until after the match challenging concluded.[235]