Veteran striker Henrik Larsson will join Manchester United on loan during Sweden's winter offseason.
The 35-year-old player will go to United when the transfer window opens on Jan. 1 and return on March 12 before the Swedish league starts, Larsson's club Helsingborg said.
"Alex Ferguson called last night and welcomed me to the club," Larsson said on the Aftonbladet tabloid's Web site.
PHOTO: AFP
"It's a good time period, not too long and not too short. I discussed it with my family and when they said `OK,' there was no hesitation," he said.
Ferguson said Larsson, one of Sweden's greatest players, would be a "terrific boost" for United's attack since Ole Solskjaer and Alan Smith have been sidelined with injuries.
"Henrik has great pedigree and character. He also has goal scoring ability and can change games. We're very pleased," Ferguson said on Manchester United's Web site.
The eight-time Premier League champion inquired about the former Celtic and FC Barcelona player just over two weeks ago and a contract was signed on Thursday, said Krister Azelius, secretary of the Helsingborg's board.
He declined to reveal the financial details.
"We are happy and they are happy," Azelius said.
He said Larsson would be able to play in the Champions League for United because Helsingborg did not play in Europe this season.
Larsson turned down a contract extension with European champion Barcelona last season to move back to Sweden to finish his career.
He was one of Europe's most prolific scorers while at Celtic, where he netted 174 goals in 221 games from 1997 to 2004.
However, Larsson's first season with Barcelona was largely ruined by a knee injury and he was mostly a substitute in his second season.
Larsson said his fitness would not be a concern.
"There are no problems. I would never have done this if I didn't feel like I could manage," he said.
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