Perhaps the greatest Swede to ever step onto the pitch, Henrik Larsson began his professional career in Högaborg at just 17 years-of-age. Eventually, he moved to Helsingborgs IF and scored 50 goals in just 56 appearances.
These performances drew the attention of Dutch club Feyenoord. Problems arised during a contract dispute and Larsson was signed by Celtic in July 1997 for £650,000. His first league match and European match with the club weren't the greatest of performances.
A giveway resulted in a goal for Hibernian, and an own-goal was scored by the Swede in his European debut. Little did everyone realize, that Larsson would go on to become one of the club's greatest players of all time.
Ultimately, he was donned the 'King of Kings'. With dreadlocks resembling Bob Marley's, Larsson led Celtic to a Scottish Premier League title and a League Cup in his first season. This ended the Rangers' run of nine consecutive titles.
The horrific leg injury he suffered in a UEFA Cup match against Lyon in 1999 could have ended his career. Those of you that saw that bottom half of his broken left leg hanging in his sock should realize how amazing it was that he managed to return to action.
More incredible was the fact that he went on to win Europe's Golden Boot in 2001, ahead of £60 million worth of Serie A talent in the form of Hernan Crespo and Andrei Shevchenko. He totalled 53 goals in all competitions that year.
In his book, Henrik Larsson: A Season In Paradise, he re-visits the agony of the injury.
My leg was really starting to hurt despite the morphine, which was making everything seem very strange... In my slightly fevered state I started thinking how a touch I'd had earlier in the game had led to me breaking my leg. If one thing had been different before... I'd now be sitting next to Mark Rieper discussing golf swings, not facing a long fight back to fitness.
This extraordinary fightback is both inspirational and courageous. Upon his return, Celtic began to win silverware on a regular basis. They won three of the next four League titles, two Scottish Cups, and a Scottish League Cup.
In the 2003 UEFA Cup Final against FC Porto, Larsson scored two goals in a 3-2 defeat to the Portuguese side. Larsson's goalscoring accomplishments earned him the record of most goals scored for a club from the British Isles in European matches.
The 37-year-old scored twice in his last appearance with Celtic to defeat Dunfermline Athletic for another Scottish Cup win. A teary-eyed Larsson gave a goodbye at his testimonial match against Sevilla FC with a full stadium of fans at Celtic Park on their feet.
Overall, he scored 242 goals in 315 matches for The Bhoys. Larsson left Celtic on a free transfer in the conclusion of the 2003-2004 season, and signed a one-year contract with Barcelona.
His role wasn't massive in Barca's La Liga win that season. He scored three goals in 12 matches and one strike in four UEFA Champions League matches. The lone Champions League marker was against his former Celtic team.
"It was very difficult for me to celebrate my goal because I had so many great times here." Larsson said, following the game.
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about 1 month ago
Great article!
He was an absolute legend!
Saw him play for united a few years back....different class!
5 stars!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Barney. He was indeed a scoring machine in the Scottish Premier League. I'm glad he's still playing with Sweden and not completely finished just yet.
about 1 month ago
The complete footballer, Henrik not only scored goals(for fun) but also had a selfless workrate second to none in the game, as his assists in the Champions League final for Barcelona v Arsenal are testament to...a true legend of the game and one who will always be remembered fondly by the Celtic fans who were lucky enough to witness and enjoy his service to the club for 7 golden years.
Long live King Henrik...Hail Hail
from about 1 month ago
Yup, he'll always be remembered at Celtic Park.
about 1 month ago
Larsen was a brilliant player in his day, but he will always have the shadow of the amount of time he spent in Scotland hanging over his head.
from about 1 month ago
Not really, that's where he made himself a legend. The short time he spent in Barca and Man U, he showed that he could play in the better leagues too.
about 1 month ago
he was a true legend, a great player with so much skill and an incredible ability to score goals. good article rafal.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Yoosof. Larsson's my favourite player of all-time.
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