Larsson expects stars of tomorrow to shine

For an ambitious young player, role models hardly come much better than Henrik Larsson. After 22 years in football, the 37-year-old Helsingborgs IF striker is still scoring for club and country, and in September he celebrated his 100th cap for Sweden. As the countdown to the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Sweden begins, there can be no more fitting tournament ambassador than the man known affectionately as 'Henke'.

'Great feeling'
While many stars of tomorrow progress through a nation's youth system, Larsson was a relatively late bloomer, first representing Sweden at U21 level at the age of 20 on 5 May 1992. Sixteen years on he still cherishes the memory. "The first time I got the chance, I was incredibly proud," Larsson recalled. "It was a friendly at home to Poland. It was a great feeling standing in the yellow and blue kit, listening to the national anthem. As a little boy you dream of playing for your country."

'Experience'
Sweden won 2-0, and Larsson went on to score four times in eleven appearances for the U21s before receiving his first senior cap on 10 October 1993. He is in no doubt about the value of an U21 apprenticeship. "Gathering experience is important," said Larsson. "It teaches you exactly what it's all about when you reach a EURO or [FIFA] World Cup as a senior." Larsson learned that first hand, playing a part in helping Sweden to third place at the 1994 World Cup; so far, he has featured in three World Cups and three UEFA European Championships.

Glittering success
Now captain of his country, he has not ruled out appearing in South Africa in 2010. "I will play for as long as my body feels OK, and that still stands," he said. At club level he has turned out for some of the biggest sides in the game – Feyenoord, Celtic FC, FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC – scoring regularly wherever he has gone. He holds a UEFA Champions League winner's medal from his Barcelona days and is the joint-sixth highest scorer in UEFA club competitions, level with Eusébio on 56 goals.

'Stars of tomorrow'
As a forward, he is hoping for an attack-minded U21 tournament next summer. "I believe the football will be good," he said. "It is the stars of tomorrow we will be watching. Hopefully there should also be plenty of goals. If you look at the EURO, it was one of the most high-scoring finals ever. Hopefully the U21 coaches have paid attention to how football should be played, and will also be going forward."

Sound advice
And Sweden's chances? "It's a good team, but it's the same as always for a Swedish side – the collective must function, with room for individuals within the system," he said. Larsson may be ambassador, but that does not make him impartial. Beyond wishing for a Swedish triumph, though, he is quick to point out the bigger picture. "There is every reason for Sweden to do well, but talking about exactly how well feels unnecessary – it puts too much pressure on the guys. I just hope they take this championship in the right way, so they're ready when they take the step up to the senior team." Sound advice from a man who has seen it all before.