Sweden’s defeat by Denmark on Saturday has virtually ended the top flight career of Henrik Larsson with the former Celtic striker hinting about a future in management.
Larsson doesn’t tend to do anything without careful thought and is bound to be in demand to start out in management.
Wednesday’s game against Albania looks like being Larsson’s 106th and last international appearance which has covered the 1994, 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
Speaking after the defeat from Denmark he said: “It’s over now, it’s a pity it ends like this. But it’s time to say goodbye now.
“I’m still hoping for us to reach the play-offs, but if we don’t, then it’s not a hard decision. Like I feel now, it won’t be realistic playing next summer.
“I have gathered a lot of experience and I see a lot of football and have a clear idea on how I want to play.
“If I choose to be a manager, you’ll see what the idea is.”
It’ll be interesting to see if the 38-year-old decides to start out in management in Sweden or accept an offer from abroad.
By quitting Barcelona for Hellsingborg, and then leaving Manchester United in mid-season, he has demonstrated that he is most certainly his own man.
Management is an entirely different discipline to playing but throughout his career Larsson has shown a dedication to improve and the single-mindedness to succeed.
Only Henrik knows what direction his next steps will be in, like all things Larsson it will be watched closely by Celtic supporters with inevitable speculation that one day he’ll return to take charge of Celtic.