His story:
Larsson initially performed magnificently in Swedish Helsingborg and in the Swedish national team, but failed to make use of his qualities in Holland (admitedly a greater soccer nation than Sweden).
In addition, Larsson has always been haunted by these injuriy problems.
But you know what they say; "Anything that doesn't break you, will always build you up".
First he broke his jaw in the game in the game of European soccer.
Henrik Larsson came back.
Then he broke his shinbone right off (material featuring this incident can be found on the internet, but I wouldn't exactly recommend it to children).
Henrik Larsson came back and scored like never before.
In his mid 30's, Larsson joined Barcelona, perhaps the most prestigious club any soccer pro could wish to play for. He scored some goals for the Catalan club but later on completely demolished his knee.
Henrik Larsson came back.
Henrik Larsson did not only come back.
He won the Champions League for Barcelona by brilliant play.
Yes, Henrik Larsson is extremely admirable as a footballer/soccer player. Besides certain things mentioned above, he made the English realize that they just CAN'T beat Sweden.
At the last WC tournament arranged in Germany 2006, England and Sweden clashed in the glorious city of Cologne and Larsson, again, made the difference by his 2-2 goal (the English haven't defeated Sweden since 1968 although having been given several golden opportunities).
In Sweden, Larsson is known for promoting family values in an intelligent manner and is also admired for being a strong advocate for team values and individual maturity.
An example of the greatness of Larsson is when he, deliberately, stepped down from the opportunity of accomplishing a hat trick (scoring 3 goals in a game) in a very unselfish manner and allowed young Zlatan to score for Sweden through a penalty against Bulgaria.
Upon asked why, he responded:
- The team as a whole benefits when every forward is enabled of scoring.
Hail to you, King Henrik!
Probably not. But I am glad you and others enjoy it.
I used to love watching him at Celtic. An amazing goal poacher and probably my favorite player of the last ten years. I miss seeing him in green.
Most Americans don't "get" soccer. It seems like a bunch of guys running back and forth, here and there, with very few scores being made. This will probably change over time since many more kids in the U.S. play the game now, and the increasing hispanic population will accelerate this trend.
Will Europeans ever appreciate American football?
Have you ever watched the Minnesota Vikings play? :)
Hail Hail KTF
Well, you have to admit that there is something about real football played with a pigskin!Shh! I won't tell the Muzzies if you don't.
Well, it would help if soccer could figure out how to let everyone know how much time is left in the game. Every other sport has figured this out; soccer ought to give it a try.
Also, I couldn't let this thread pass without quoting Hank Hill: "Soccer was invented by French women to give them something to do while their husbands cooked dinner."
Seriously, Sir Alex knows how to play to a crowd. He's made Manchester United famous both by being a great football club, and by creating a legendary aura around it. I suspect the invitation for Mr. Larsson to join the boys in red for a home game is part of that showmanship.
I'll approve of soccer when the "men" stop rolling around on the ground like whiny little michaeal jackson's whenever someone touches them with their pinky. Oh, and they should also let you know how much time is left in the game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmsAqO_QQFE
For better or worse, this Simpsons clip (above link) is probably the way most Americans see soccer. (Personally, I enjoy the sport).
Our whole family loves soccer, our 3 boys play and my husband and I both coach rec soccer. Our oldest is very very good. He's played 7 years and he's just about to turn 11.
I wish it was more available on TV. We've considered going for the big digital package just to get the Fox Soccer channel. We can on occasion catch a game on telemundo, but we almost never get to watch European matches.
Thanks for the links. Larsson at ManU awesome!
My family loves soccer, as well as many other sports! My husband coaches at the club level locally, and all three of our children have played it at one time or another. The youngest is still in high school and plays for the school and a club team. Our oldest, while having played all through his youth and teen years, now works retail at a local soccer-supply store. Both are very devoted to the sport. My daughter and I are both enthusiastic spectators. We are hoping as a family to go to the next World Cup.
We also love to watch many other sports, including football, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, tennis, golf, and baseball. I guess basically if there's a sport on, you can pretty much be assured that someone in my home is watching it (presuming other responsibilities are taken care of).
While I am not familiar with Mr. Larsson, I think I may understand the esteem you hold for him. I have an American player who I hold in the highest regard as well.
My best to you!