Thomas Brolin never played for Celtic, but his latest admission shows Henrik Larsson’s influence on the club remains as powerful as ever.
The former Sweden international was reflecting on his career when he admitted that, with the benefit of hindsight, Celtic would have been an attractive destination.
More importantly, the reason he gave was Henrik Larsson.
Watch all of Henrik Larsson’s 53 goals from season 2000/01.
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Celtic still benefits from Henrik Larsson’s reputation
Brolin told Hajper, “Henrik Larsson thrived very well at Celtic anyway. So I probably would have thrived at Celtic too since I know Henrik very well and he thrived very well at Celtic.
“So if I were to choose like this in hindsight, which is very strange, then Celtic sounds like a good club.”
It is a striking admission because it underlines how powerful Larsson’s legacy remains among Swedish football figures.
Few players leave behind the sort of record Larsson produced during his Celtic career. The striker scored 242 goals in 315 appearances, won eight major domestic honours and established himself as one of the greatest players ever to wear the Hoops.
His influence stretched well beyond Scotland. Larsson’s success turned Celtic into a club that Swedish players paid attention to and respected.
Celtic’s Swedish connection remains strong
That reputation did not disappear when Larsson left Glasgow in 2004.
Over the years, several Swedish players have followed him to Celtic, with the club’s Scandinavian history remaining a significant attraction. More recently, Gustaf Lagerbielke spoke about the Swedish history at Celtic when discussing his move to the club.
And, of course, Celtic also have Benjamin Nygren who is currently starring in the 2026 World Cup.
That is why Brolin’s comments matter. They are not really about a transfer that never happened. They are another reminder that Larsson’s impact is still influencing how Celtic is viewed across Sweden.
More than 20 years after leaving Parkhead, Larsson remains one of the club’s strongest endorsements. Brolin’s reflection is simply the latest piece of evidence that the King of Kings is still helping Celtic long after his playing days ended.
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