Why Henrik Larsson credited Pierre van Hooijdonk for inspiring Celtic move from Feyenoord

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Henrik Larsson and Pierre van Hooijdonk had very different experiences of their time at Celtic.

One is known as a Celtic legend and the other is a player that divided opinion.

Both have also played for Feyenoord at different stages in their career, but it was the Dutch striker that encouraged Larsson to come to Glasgow.

Following a contractual dispute with Feyenoord, the Swedish star reunited with Wim Jansen at Celtic Park and helped to stop Rangers from winning 10 successive titles.

The rest is history, but Larsson admitted during his unveiling in 1997 that it was Van Hooijdonk who inspired the move.

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Henrik Larsson on joining Celtic

After being formally announced by the club, Larsson was asked about his knowledge of the Hoops before making the move.

Having watched Van Hooijdonk strut his stuff for Celtic, the forward decided that this would be where he could improve the most.

“I do know a bit about Celtic having watched the television coverage of Pierre van Hooijdonk,” he said.

“I was very impressed with the way Pierre improved when he came here from Breda.

“I am coming here to develop myself as a football player and the fact that I know the trainer is always a help.”

Henrik Larsson record at Feyenoord vs Celtic

Everywhere Larsson went, he was a success. Whether that be pre or post-Celtic, goals would come in abundance.

The man himself always says that Celtic was the best spell of his career, as proved by his exceptional goal record.

His numbers at Feyenoord were still equally as impressive, but it is unlikely that there will be many players who can average a goal contribution in 0.97 games across such a long period.