To the surprise, but sheer delight, of Sweden's followers, 36-year-old striker Henrik Larsson has decided to end his voluntary international retirement and compete once again at a major tournament – the sixth of his career.

• A star turn early in his career at Helsingborgs IF, scoring 16 goals in debut Allsvenskan campaign.
  
• Joined Feyenoord and scored four goals in first six internationals to earn place in 1994 FIFA World Cup squad; scored in third-place play-off v Bulgaria (4-0).
  
• Dutch Cup winner with Feyenoord then enjoyed seven prolific seasons at Celtic FC notching 242 goals in 315 games.
  
• Scottish Premier League top scorer five times; highest tally of 35 in 2000/01 when Celtic won domestic treble in first season under manager Martin O'Neill.
  
• Won eight trophies at Celtic; added three more in two seasons at FC Barcelona, including 2006 UEFA Champions League – turned final against Arsenal FC after coming on to create both Barça goals.
  
• Rejoined Helsingborg in 2006, winning Swedish Cup; punctuated by brief stint at Manchester United FC in early 2007.
  
• Ever-present for Sweden at UEFA EURO 2004™ and the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
  
• Voted Sweden's best footballer of all time in 2005.

Did you know?
Larsson has scored for Sweden at every major tournament he has attended, amassing nine goals altogether. He could have made it into double figures against Germany at the 2006 World Cup but missed a penalty in the 2-0 defeat.