Swedish legend Henrik Larsson had an emotional farewell from professional football on Wednesday night as he played his last ever professional game for Swedish side Helsingborg. Larsson had announced his intent to retire at the end of this season but decided to bow out one game early in order to play his last match in front of the Helsinborg supporters. The player was joined on the pitch by family and friends as the capacity crowd showed their appreciation for the former Celtic, Manchester United and Barcelona striker.
Larsson could not fight back the tears after he was presented with his club’s Player of the Year award and said his goodbyes to the supporters. Video tributes from the likes of Sweden coach Lars Lagerback, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and international team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic were played at the ground. The emotional night also saw Helsingborg announce the decision to retire the No 17 shirt in Larsson’s honour.
Though he won the Champions League with Barcelona and an EPL title with Manchester United, it was at Celtic that Larsson made his name. He still holds the record as the Scottish Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer, with 158 Premier League goals. He also holds four SPL winners medals and picked up the European Golden Boot in 2000-01 while at Celtic. That same season he was also the top goalscorer in the UEFA Cup as Martin O’Neill’s side reached the final against Porto. Larsson scored twice in that match in a losing effort.
Videos of his farewell and the tributes are up on YouTube.
