But the Swede said his goodbyes to United at the Riverside following Saturday's FA Cup match at Middlesbrough, as he will be in the away changing room with Marcello Lippi's European XI when they face the Reds tomorrow.
The 35-year-old made 13 appearances for United in his two-month loan spell from Helsingborg, and he admits it was a wrench to leave with the club still chasing three trophies.
"I feel a little bit sad to leave and it is unfortunate timing for me, but I knew when I signed the contract this would be the day I played my last game," he said after the 2-2 draw at Boro.
"It has been great. All the players and staff have been fantastic. It has been a pleasure to play here.
"It is a great dressing room with a lot of characters. There is a great camaraderie in the dressing room. That is the thing I will take with me.
"I knew how many games I would play when I signed for the club and I knew I wouldn't be here for the final matches. I can't moan about that. I will be as happy as the lads if they win something."
Superstar
There will be two Ronaldos and a Ronaldinho on the pitch with Larsson tomorrow night, when United take on a Europe XI to celebrate half-a-century of European football for the Reds and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome.
Milan's Brazilian superstar Ronaldo will turn out for Lippi's team against United winger Cristiano.
The match - for which the M.E.N. is the official media partner - will see the Brazilian striker return to Old Trafford for the first time since he scored a brilliant hat-trick for Real Madrid against the Reds in a 2003 Champions League quarter-final.
His fellow Brazilian Ronaldinho will also play for the Europe XI - but he could have been in a Reds shirt tomorrow had Sir Alex Ferguson succeeded in signing him in 2003.
Ferguson has wondered what might have been had the former World Footballer of the Year joined United.
When he set off for the pre-season USA tour in 2003, Ferguson believed the deal had been done.
By the time he landed, Ronaldinho had opted to join Barcelona.
"I do think what might have been when I look at Ronaldinho," said Sir Alex.
"We thought the agreement with him was done until some events changed the course of history."
How much will United miss Larsson? Have your say.
Comments
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I am so glad he came to help us out. It has been a pleasure to watch him play. He is such a skillful player and I shall never forget that goal he scored against Watford. That was just a fantastic goal, as was his debut goal. I just wish he could have stayed till the end of the season! There's no doubt, we'll miss the guy!
Just learned that Helsingborg IF has called for a pressconference, with only Henrik Larsson and coach Baxter present. No questions are allowed. Does this mean what I hope it means?
the best display for 4/5 games its beyond me how middlesboro can complain about the result or the penalty. Once again united demonstrated a tremendous resiliance and this ability to get results is nice to see again. The question remains though about the shortage of strikers which could be eased by recalling rossi and the obvious thing to do is put ronaldo up front! I have always felt that like henry that is where he will end up anyway and at 6-2 he is clearly big enough; and as been sensational this season; you feel as though he could play anywhere and still look good!! Sad to see larsson going but equally nice to see somebody with principles these days the younger players could have learnt so much... Great player but the club moves on and so it is!!
Im sure the positive impact he has had was more off field than on the pitch. Shame that great goal against portsmouth was incorrectly disallowed. Thanks Henke we respect your decision to stick to your word!
Henrik Larsson has obviously been a good man to have around OT.We should be able to carry on,but his cool head would've been useful with the do or die phase about to begin.The young ones must keep cool and finish the job.
If SAF doesn't get Henrik bladdered tonight and persuade him yo stay till the end of this season i will be amazed.
As for introducing Dong into the squad well i am flabbergasted,hes pathetic and wouldnt get a game for FC UTD,who the hell is watching these players,Bellion was another.