Larsson thrilled with 'new challenge'

Even by his own exacting standards the events of the past week have been quite extraordinary for Henrik Larsson. Last Friday's announcement that the 35-year-old former FC Barcelona and Celtic FC striker would be joining Manchester United FC on a three-month loan took European football completely by surprise as Larsson took up the challenge of adding a final chapter to an already illustrious career.

'Thrilled'
On a recent trip to Glasgow where he was inducted into the Scottish Football Association's Hall of Fame, Larsson hinted there might be a development that would mean him leaving Helsingborgs IF until the Swedish season starts again next spring. He was careful, though, not to reveal the identity of the club concerned. That in turn led to speculation he might be on his way back to the Catalan capital where Ronaldinho has openly been calling for the Swede's return to bolster Barcelona's faltering attack. The ultimate destination proved to be Old Trafford not Camp Nou. "I am thrilled to get this move at this late stage of my career,” Larsson told uefa.com this week, barely able to contain his excitement. "It wasn't planned but when [Sir Alex] Ferguson called, I discussed it with my family. They said they were happy with it, so I had no hesitation in saying yes. Now I am really looking forward to playing in the Premiership."

Celtic legend
If Ferguson had had his way Larsson would have been at Old Trafford as long ago as 1999. Instead out of loyalty to Celtic where he had revived his career following an acrimonious parting with Feyenoord two years earlier, the Swede elected to extend his contract at Parkhead. He would go on to become a club legend scoring 242 goals in 315 games, including two in the 2003 UEFA Cup final when Celtic lost 3-2 to José Mourinho's FC Porto in Seville. There were accusations he had chosen to stay in a comfort zone rather than test himself in a more challenging environment, something that irked Larsson at the time. He dispelled any doubts about his ability with another two trophy laden seasons in Spain's Primera División.

Paris joy
Although his first season was blighted by a cruciate injury sustained against Real Madrid CF, Larsson still added another two league winners' medals to his collection before rounding off his stay with a decisive cameo in last season's UEFA Champions League final in Paris, coming off the bench in the last half hour to create both goals in Barcelona's 2-1 win against Arsenal FC. It was the highlight of a goal laden career that started in his native Helsingborg back in 1986. When he announced he was returning home last summer, it was widely expected that Larsson would play out the last few years of his career in relative anonymity. So, is the decision to join United on loan an admission that Larsson should have taken up Frank Rikjaard's offer of another season at Barcelona?

'New challenge'
"No, as I told you before the Champions League final I had made the decision to go home and I wasn't going to change my mind," counters Larsson, famed for his strong will as much as his goal-scoring prowess. "My children were at an age where it was right for them to go back to Sweden and experience the Swedish way of life. I had a fantastic time at Barcelona and I left on the best possible note after winning the Champions League. I have great memories of my time there and that is why I wouldn't go back. However, this is different because it’s a new challenge."

Determined
It remains to be seen what impact Larsson will make at United between 1 January and 12 March next year but there's no doubting his determination to be a success. At 35 he is still as fit as a "butcher's dog" according to Helsingborg manager Stuart Baxter and 14 goals in 21 appearances suggest the former Swedish international hasn't lost his touch. Whatever happens Larsson insists he will return home in March although if United are still in contention for the Premiership title and the UEFA Champions League Helsingborg will come under renewed pressure to extend his loan until the end of the season.

'Make a difference'
"I probably won't start every match but I will go over there looking to play as much as possible," said Larsson. "There are no problems with my fitness although it will probably take me a few weeks to get used to the pace, but I wouldn't be doing this if I didn’t think I could make a difference." As fate would have it, one of Larsson's first games for United could see him pitted against former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, now in charge of Aston Villa FC at Old Trafford on 13 January. Larsson has cited the Ulsterman as one of three major influences on his career along with his first coach at Hogaborg, Bengt Persson, and Wim Jansen who signed him for both Feyenoord and Celtic. However any sentiment will be cast aside just as his goodwill towards Barcelona will evaporate should they be drawn together in the UEFA Champions League. Given the sense of drama that has permeated Larsson's career, few would bet against such a scenario.

This article is from the uefa.com Magazine. To read this week's edition click here.