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Larsson comes out of retirement for Euro 2008

14/05/2008

Helsingborgs striker Henrik Larsson has been named in the Sweden squad for this summer's European Championships.

The former Celtic and Manchester United ace is a surprise inclusion, having announced his international retirement following his country's exit from the 2006 World Cup in Germany in the second round.

Head coach Lars Lagerback apparently contacted Larsson about a possible return to the squad.

And the 36-year-old, who signed a new 12-month contract to remain in the top-flight of Swedish football earlier this year, admitted he "made a quick decision to say yes".

"I didn't know that I'd keep playing football for as long as this - or that I would enjoy it as much as I am right now," he explained.

Lagerback said Larsson's club form in Sweden's Allsvenskan, where he has scored six goals in 11 games for Helsingborgs, had tempted him to contact the striker.

"There's been a glow about Henrik and his football throughout the spring," the coach said.

"And I know that he looks like he's enjoying his football, he's playing good football. I thought about him returning during Helsingborg's Uefa Cup campaign, when Henrik played a big part in the team's success."

Sweden face Spain, Russia and European champions Greece in group D of the summer tournament in Austria and Switzerland, which begins on June 7th.