Henrik Larsson, who completed the final competitive game of his 10-week loan spell at Manchester United yesterday, has ruled out the possibility of returning to English football.
Even following so many assurances Larsson will return home next week, it still seems a shock it is actually going to happen, particularly as Alex Ferguson's squad is currently in the midst of its biggest injury crisis in the entire campaign.
Yet, once he has turned out against United for the European Select XI in Tuesday's grand charity game at Old Trafford, Larsson will head for home and a short holiday, cherishing many memories but steadfast in his desire to honour his contract with hometown club Helsingborg, never to return.
"This is it," he said. "I am not 25 anymore. I am 36 this year so it is not going to happen. I had a chat with Sir Alex but nothing would tempt me to change my mind about leaving.
"It is a little bit sad but I knew when I signed this would be my last game. It has been a pleasure to be here and I will follow this team every step of the way now, keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes well."
With Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer both currently injured and Alan Smith still battling back to full fitness from the broken leg and dislocated ankle he suffered at Liverpool over 12 months ago, Larsson accepts his departure has not come at an ideal time.
However, the 35-year-old does not believe United will be handicapped by the problem and is confident they will ultimately go on to collect some silverware in May.
"Nobody knew what the situation would be when I left," he said. "United initially signed me to cover some injuries they had at the time. It is unfortunate Louis got injured and Ole has had a minor operation on his knee. I know it is not good timing for me to leave now but that was the time period of the contract. These things happen."
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