Henrik Larsson scored an incredible 242 goals in 315 games during an incredible seven-year tenure at Celtic Park, earning him the nickname “King of Kings.”
The Swede helped Celtic win four Scottish Premier League championships and, more importantly, prevented Rangers from surpassing the Bhoys’ record of nine consecutive league victories.
Had the esteemed striker seized the chance to depart from Celtic and join Manchester United during the 1990s, things might have turned out quite differently.
In the 1990s, Larsson said to The Guardian, “I had an opportunity to go to Manchester United from Celtic.” “I could have made an extra £10,000 or £15,000 a week if I had earned more.” However, I had recently concluded 3.5 years at Feyenoord, during which there had been highs and lows.
I wanted to continue since I had just started to feel comfortable at Celtic. We participated in the Uefa Cup, and since I was a Swedish player, I didn’t see the need to travel. It was with Celtic that I rose to superstardom rather than Barcelona.
Fortunately, Larsson’s career saw the second time that the train to Old Trafford halted when he joined United on a three-month loan.
Although Larsson was playing for Helsingborgs back home, the Swedish league season’s conclusion gave him a taste of Premier League action.
Larsson noted the kind welcome he received and acknowledged that, despite his brief tenure in Manchester, it was an honor to represent the team.
“Sir Alex Ferguson made me feel so welcome even though I was only there for ten weeks,” he continued. At the Lowry [hotel], I was residing. Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, and Louis Saha would all take me out to lunch. I realized that they actually did care. Thus, you wish to treat them well. Being able to represent Manchester United was an honor.
In a fitting moment, the Swede lifted the Champions League trophy in 2006 as Barcelona overcame Arsenal 2-1 in the Paris final.
He provided two assists to help Arsene Wenger’s team defeat them at the Stade de France after coming on as a second-half replacement.
Having moved on from football, 52-year-old Larsson now splits his time between being a grandfather, managing his own clothing line, and getting in a few holes of golf.
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