Henrik Larsson steps into club management

Star Swedish footballer Henrik Larsson, who recently gave up his playing career, has been confirmed as new head trainer of Landskrona in Sweden’s second division, Superettan.

• 'Henke' Larsson to quit professional football (20 Oct 09)
• Marseille ditch Larsson loan plans (6 Jan 09)
• Success for Henrik Larsson in floorball debut (24 Nov 08)

The 38-year-old Larsson, one of Sweden’s most beloved and successful football players, was unveiled as the club's new trainer during a Monday afternoon press conference.

"First and foremost it is of course very flattering to be asked, considering I don't have any experience as a trainer," said Larsson.

Ever since Larsson announced his retirement in October, Swedish football fans and analysts have speculated about what was next for one of the country’s most decorated footballers.

For a time, the former Celtic star, who went on to play with European football giants Manchester United and Barcelona, was mentioned as a possible candidate to take the reins of Sweden’s national side as a possible replacement for Lars Lagerbäck.

Others speculated that he might join the coaching staff of his home Swedish club in Helsingborg, which finished seventh in its 2009 campaign in Sweden’s top Allsvenskan football league, as a first step in a new career as a trainer.

Larsson had also indicated he was interested in continuing to play floorball for Helsingborg, a pursuit he gave up as a youth to focus on football, but which he nevertheless took up with much success last winter ahead of the football season.

Landskrona finished the 2009 season in tenth place in Sweden’s Superettan football league.