Fossils

"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop." Confucius. Timeless words, words that everyone should live by. The men who have achieve great things never stopped but also men who have achieved less held it to heart to with the belief of glory. In my series Fossils these are timeless legends of the game, they may not of heard of the Chinese poet mentioned but in their own ways they have made tribune to this old adage by their longevity and persistance. A lesson for all to acknowledge.

Name: Henrik Edward Larsson

D/O/H: 09/20/1971 (age 37)

Place of Hatching: Helsingborg, Sweden

Position: Striker ( Centre Foward)

Prefered Claw: Right

Height: 5'10 ft/inches

National Team: Sweden

Caps: 104

Club Teams: Hogaborg (1977-1988), Helsingborg 1992-93), Feyenoord Rotterdam (1993-97), Celtic FC (1997-2004), FC Barcelona (2004-06), Helsingborg (2006-present), Manchester United FC (2007)(loan)

Glory: Feyenoord Rotterdam (KNVB Cup- 1993-94/1994-95), Celtic FC (Scottish Premier League- 1997-98/2000-01/2001-02/2003-04), (Scottish League Cup- 1997-98/2000-01), (Scottish Cup- 2000-01/2003-04), FC Barcelona (La Liga- 2004-05/2005-06),(Spanish Super Cup- 2005-06),(UEFA Champions League- 2005-06), Manchester United FC (Barclay Premier League- 2006-07), Helsingborg (Swedish Cup- 2006-07)

Decompostion: ?

"Heavy is the head that wears the crown," I am never to keen to use cliches but this one I can stomach but those of you who are familiar with the saying know that it comes with a negative connotation. Often implying the prestige that comes with status is not warranted on said individual. I aim to chance that, the man that this piece is dedicated to, head is heavy but merely due to the gold that sits on his crown and not my its symbollic status. If you scroll up and gaze upon those achievements you would see why kingship should be preserved in his honor, he does not need introduction just an audience, he is worth more text than I can supply.

Henrik Edward Larsson was born in Helsingborg Sweden on the 20th of September 1971 to a Swedish mother and a Cape Verdean father. Being an avid football fan his father enrolled young Henrik into near by Hogaborg football club where he was able to hone his skills. Eleven years Henrik stayed with the club appearing 74 times and scoring himself 23 goals. Helsinborg took notice and off the fresh eyed 17 year old went to play for his hometwon club for the first time in his storied career. Henrik was an instant hit in the blue and red of Helsingborg scoring an incredible 50 times in 56 games, to incredible for the Swedish side who lost their starlet to Feyenoord after just one year of service, 1992/93 was what Larsson's Helsingborg read tombstone. A servant of the red and white of Rotterdam now but just bearly though as the Swiss side FC Zurich look posed to sign until famed Dutch economics came into play. Four years between 1993 and 97 yielded two back to back KNVB cups coming in the seasons of 1993/94 and 1994/96, Henrik chalked up just over a century of appearances all while netting 26 times for the Rotterdam faithful but the marksman was soon on the move to another European footballing factory. Park Head is the famed home Glasgow Celtic FC, a club full of prestige and tradition from the year 1997 to the year 2004 Henrik Larsson doned the colors of the Scottish club. The question one must ask what did he not do at Celtic. He literally slayed Dragons for the club stuff that can be only written in Norse mythology. Heartbreaks, euphoria and magic is what happen at the Old Firm club when Larsson was there. What happen there deserves a whole editiorial. I will merely state the titles won four SPL titles and four other domestic cups with multiple forrays in Europe with two final appearances in the UEFA Cup now the Europa League but what is amazing is his 221 appearances for the club to go with his 174 goals simply a master class but with all love affairs they must end and after an emotional farewell he was off to sunny Spain. The might of the Catalans beckon and in 2004 FC Barcelona signed the Super Swede two league titles followed, a Spanish Super Cup and the feather in his cap an illusive European title, the Uefa Champions League all stacked in his two years at the club but the heights of his adventures on the continent was wearing thin on Larsson so a move back home to finish his days were in view. Despite the plees of Barca management and players Larsson left the peninsula and headed back to Sweden after 40 games with the European champions.Helsingborg welcomed home their most famous son in 2006 but their reunion was interupted by the call of one Sir Alex Ferguson in Manchester, Fergie needed back up in his strike force. Being the trophy hunter that he is Larsson answered the beckon call and a loan move to United was hashed out three months being the time frame. The newest "Red Devil," stoke the flames of the Premiership with earnest with his three goals in seven games helping Manchester United overthrow the London aristocrats of Stamford Bridge. The Premier league of England states that in order for a palyer to receive a medal a mandatory ten games must be played but Larsson only played seven but with the grace of the league he was granted special treatment and received his badge of honor. So misson complete and yet again the plees of chief Executives and savvy managers could deter Larsson from his homeland, his loan was over and to Sveigre (Sweden) he went.

On the international stage Larsson collected one acolade after another becoming Sweden's most awarded player of all time but with all journeys a first step is require. Henrik's first step on the inetrnational scene came in 1993 againts Sweden's Nordic neighbours Finland in a World Cup qualification, Larsson sounded his arrival with a goal that send the Fins packing. Sweden has counted on Larsson for many years and he has never fail them, he is the epitome of what a patriot is. After the 2002 World Cup Larsson decided to retire from the international stage after helping his homeland to a bronze medal finish in the tournament a decision that infuriated the Swedish public.So not to garner the hate of the people Larsson returned to help Sweden mount an assault on Euro 2004 one that was as potent as most but as with so much of his career Larsson shone while others around him wilted a Quarterfinal defeat to the Dutch saw yet another exit from a major competition.The 2006 World Cup came around but a round of 16 is all that could be mustered on the Swedes behalf and the words of retirement echoed fresh from Larsson and a second retirement was set in stoned with no coaxing to be had. Being the softy he is a coaxing did occur and the desired affect was achieved. With the awol of then Swedish captain Fredrik Ljungberg a leader that would take the helm into Euro 2008 was needed and Larsson the ever willing admiral assumed control and ever since he has been in control, is he the man for the job?, I think 104 appearances and 37 goals would qualify him.

Henrik Larsson deserves more than I can offer in terms of tribute. What I can offer is my praise, they are a lot of great players out there and who played the game but Larsson has to be one of the best. Although I hate Math with every ounce of my soul you can not deny the numbers I have layed out before you and what is scary I left out statistics like the individual awards he has amassed over the years I count over twenty, once again not to sound cliche numbers don't lie. Larsson is the greatest striker I have ever seen, you can keep your Fernando Torres, Thierry Henry's and men of that ilk, Henrik is my number "9" if goals are in short supply it is time for a Swedish smogasborg . Larsson a living legend I hope he goes on to 40 that is the selfish jerk in me talking. My only regret is that he never played for my club.

Reptile