Larsson returns for Sweden

By Jan Juhlin

World Cup goals
The 32-year-old Celtic FC talisman quit international football following the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he scored three goals before the Swedes bowed out to Senegal. Larsson came out of retirement in April 2003 to play one EURO 2004™ qualifier, a 2-1 victory in Hungary which paved the way for success in Group 4 and an automatic passage to Portugal.

'100 per cent sure'
Although Larsson said that was it, he has made himself available for selection for his third UEFA European Championship. "Everyone must be allowed to change their mind," he said. "I've felt drawn to EURO 2004™ for some time now but I haven't been 100 per cent sure until now. I feel fine and I would be stupid not to play in such a great tournament."

Personal plea
The Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet gained more than 110,000 signatures, including those of the country's prime minister, Göran Persson, and UEFA President Lennart Johansson, in a petition calling for his return. Mr Johansson also made a personal plea to Larsson, saying: "He knows all of us in Sweden want him to be in Portugal. I told him then he was wanted by his country and I also wrote him a personal letter."

'Deadline day'
Sweden co-coach Lars Lagerbäck left the door open for Larsson when naming his squad for Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Portugal, saying: "We'll name our squad for Portugal on 6 May, and I suppose that's the deadline day even for Henrik."

'Never say never'
Larsson may even continue to wear the yellow of Sweden after the European Championship. "If everything works well I'll continue until they throw me out," he said. "One thing I've learnt since the World Cup is never to say never again."