Henke Larsson home for UEFA cup match

Henke Larsson deservers the moniker Legend. The 36 year old can look back at a rich career, winning prizes and a lot of friends and fans. Yesterday the former Feyenoord striker was back in Holland to play PSV with Helsingsborgs for the UEFA Cup.

Larsson first stated that he’d end his career last year, but he decided to go on for one more. “I doubted for a long time. I really wanted this decision to be the right one. Helsingborgs had a dreadful season behind it and doesn’t have the level of six years ago. And, at a professional organisational level, the club disappoints me. But, I still enjoy playing football and I’m fit, so… as long as I can play along, it’s good fun.”

Larsson still watches Dutch football. “I don’t follow Ajax or PSV that much. I focus on Feyenoord of course, but I can tell PSV is a strong opponent. Good positioning play, effective, focussed. But, not a team with surprises. Gomes is world class, they have decent players and quick and lethal strikers.”

Helsingsborgs trashed Heerenveen earlier in the tournament. Has Dutch football devaluated? “No no, those are just moments, aren’t they? We played great at home, but horrible in Friesland. So… Dutch football did change. Young talents are scouted early, but the youth development at Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV is still great. Compared to Sweden, Holland is paradise.”

On his step back from Barca to a mid-tier Swedish club. “It’s tough. Tougher than I thought. But, it was a conscious decision like Giovanni’s return to Feyenoord. It’s a step you take with your heart but sometimes your head complaints.”

On which period in his career Henke is most proud. “Winning the CL with Barca was just wonderful. That’s the top. My time at Celtic was a dream too, but playing and learning in Holland was the best. I adore the way we played in Holland and the way you are forced to play. You just have to think, use your head. The tactical concepts, thinking and acting offensively. That is the most fun. In that way, Holland is my home.”