COLOGNE, GERMANY - JUNE 20: Henrik Larsson of Sweden celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Group B match between Sweden and England at the Stadium Cologne on June 20, 2006 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
An exchange on social media with an arrogant, ill-informed English based football supporter, yes I know, shock horror, left me and every other Celtic supporter bemused but rather amused at the same time.
The supporter in question claimed that Henrik Larsson only looked good because he played in Scotland and wasn’t tested or wanted elsewhere. Yes he really did say that, see below…
That must have came as a shock and surprise to the supporters of Helsingborg, Feyenoord, Barcelona and Manchester United. Even supporters of the Swedish national side.
This has come up once or twice before, usually from supporters with a preference for an Ibrox football club, and much like the English they are arrogant and misinformed at the best of times so I guess it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
Barcelona, SPAIN: Barcelona’s Henrik Larsson (C) celebrate after scoring a goal with his team mates Deco (L) and Ronaldinho (R) against Betis during their Spanish League football match at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, 18 February 2006. (Photo CESAR RANGEL/AFP via Getty Images)
Henrik scored goals at a high level in Holland before he settled in Scotland. He would continue to score internationally with Sweden in the biggest stage of all, the World Cup and the European championship.
Not to mention his goals for Celtic in the Champions League and the Uefa cup, indeed scoring two in the Uefa cup final itself against Porto, a competition he also holds the record as the all time highest goalscorer.
CHenrik Larsson of Sweden scores his teams second goal as Goalkeeper of England Paul Robinson, Sol Campbell and Joe Cole of England look dejected during the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Group B match between Sweden and England at the Stadium Cologne on June 20, 2006 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
When he left Celtic he scored in La liga for Barcelona and unforgettably played a big part in them winning the Champions League in Paris when he changed the game coming on as a substitute against English side Arsenal in the 2006 final. Barca were one goal down when Henrik entered the field and by full time they had won the big cup, thanks to Henrik who had assists in both goals. He literally changed the game.
Manchester, UNITED KINGDOM: Manchester United’s Swedish forward Henrik Larsson celebrates scoring against Lille during their UEFA Champions League first knockout round, second leg football match at Old Trafford, Manchester, north-west England, 07 March 2007. (Photo LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
A short stint with Man United was also a success, with Sir Alex Ferguson left disappointed that Henrik couldn’t stay longer such was the mark he made. If Sir Alex Ferguson wants you to hang around, you must be something special, and Henrik was.
The facts and figures speak for themselves. Henrik was a world class talent. No one with half a brain can deny that. Henrik Larsson was the real deal but at Celtic for seven glorious seasons he was simply The King of Kings.
Here are some extra photos of Henrik Larsson being tested elsewhere from Scottish football in playing for Spanish and English clubs and scoring against England for Sweden…
HENRIK AT BARCELONA…YOU GET THE PICTURE?
Saint-Denis, FRANCE: Barcelona’s Swedish forward Henrik Larsson celebrates after his team won the UEFA Champion’s League final football match against Arsenal, 17 May 2006 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, northern Paris. Barcelona won 2 to 1. (Photo LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)Barcelona, SPAIN: Barcelona’s (L to R) Henck Tencate, Gabri Garcia and Henrik Larsson celebrate winning the UEFA Champions League at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, 18 May 2006. FC Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League final football match Barcelona vs Arsenal, 17 May 2006 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, northern Paris. Barcelona won 2-1. (Photo CESAR RANGEL/AFP via Getty Images)Barcelona, SPAIN: Barcelona’s Brazilian Ronaldinho (R) celebrates with teammate Henrik Larsson after scoring against Espanyol during their Spanish league football match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, 06 May 2006. (Photo LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)Zaragoza, SPAIN: Barcelona celebrate after Henrik Larsson (C) scored against Zaragoza during their Spanish League football match at the Romareda Stadium in Zaragoza, 25 February 2006. Barcelona won the match 2-0. (Photo CESAR RANGEL/AFP via Getty Images)Barcelona, SPAIN: Barcelona’s Henrik Larsson (R) celebrates after scoring a goal with his team mates Deco (L) Ronaldinho (C) and Samuel Eto’o (down) against Betis during their Spanish League football match at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, 18 February 2006. (Photo CESAR RANGEL/AFP via Getty Images)
HENRIK AT MAN UTD…YOU GET THE PICTURE?
Manchester United’s Swedish forward Henrik Larsson celebrates scoring against Lille during their UEFA Champions League, 07 March 2007. (Photo ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images)Manchester United’s Swedish forward Henrik Larsson (3R) postures after scoring against Lille during their UEFA Champions League first knockout round, second leg football match at Old Trafford, Manchester, north-west England, 07 March 2007. (Photo LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)Manchester United’s Swedish forward Henrik Larsson celebrates scoring against Lille during their UEFA Champions League first knockout round, second leg football match at Old Trafford, Manchester, north-west England, 07 March 2007. AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE (Photo LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images) Manchester United’s Swedish forward Henrik Larsson celebrates scoring against Lille during their UEFA Champions League first knockout round, second leg football match at Old Trafford, Manchester, north-west England, 07 March 2007. (Photo LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
HENRIK PLAYING FOR SWEDEN…YOU GET THE PICTURE?
Cologne, GERMANY: Swedish forward Henrik Larsson celebrates after scoring during the opening round Group B World Cup football match Sweden vs. England, 20 June 2006 in Cologne, Germany. The final score is 2 to 2. (Photo JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)Swedish forward Henrik Larsson celebrates after Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (not seen) scored during the Euro 2008 Championships group D football match Sweden vs. Spain on June 14, 2008 at the Tivoli Neu stadium in Innsbruck. AFP PHOTO / MICHAL CIZEK — MOBILE SERVICES OUT (Photo credit should read MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images) Swedish forward Henrik Larsson (L) scores during the opening round Group B World Cup football match Sweden vs. England, 20 June 2006 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)Swedish forward Henrik Larsson celebrates after scoring during the opening round Group B World Cup football match Sweden vs. England, 20 June 2006 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo SVEN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images): Henrik Larsson of Sweden celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Group B match between Sweden and England at the Stadium Cologne on June 20, 2006 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)Henrik Larsson of Sweden scores his teams second goal as Goalkeeper of England Paul Robinson, Sol Campbell and Joe Cole of England look dejected during the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Group B match between Sweden and England at the Stadium Cologne on June 20, 2006 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Celtic’s Alexandro Bernabei (2R) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during a friendly football match between Japan’s Gamba Osaka and Scotland’s Celtic at Suita City Stadium in the city of Suita, Osaka prefecture on July 22, 2023. ((Photo by PAUL MILLER/AFP via Getty Images)
An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.
