Larsson heads for Barcelona bliss

FORMER Celtic striker Henrik Larsson has expressed delight at his imminent move to Barcelona following months of speculation over his future.

The Sweden international is set to be officially unveiled as Barca's third summer signing this morning.

Larsson is set to sign a one-year deal with the option of a year extension and is already looking forward to the "fantastic" new challenge.

"I am very happy to come here. Barcelona has always been one of my favourite clubs. It is very good to be here finally," he told the club's official website, www.fcbarcelona.com. "From now on we will be able to overcome anything."

"I like everything about Barca. It is a massive club, with many fans and a great history.

"I remember watching Barca when I was small. I liked Ronald Koeman, Hristo Stoichkov, Michael Laudrup... it was fantastic to see football like that."

The 32-year-old is setting high targets for next season although he is acutely aware the Primera Liga will not be easy.

"Whenever you play for a great club like this, you want to gain titles. I hope that this can happen, although I am conscious it is a difficult competition. But this is what happens when you play in a club like Barca," he said.

Larsson has happy recent memories of the Nou Camp, having been part of the Celtic side which knocked Barcelona out of the UEFA Cup at the fourth-round stage in March this year.

"The most recent memory is of last season. We tried to play to obtain the 0-0 because we had won 1-0 at home. It is a very beautiful place, a great stadium."

He has not yet had any contact with coach Frank Rijkaard, but is confident he will fit in with the Catalan giants.

"I have not spoken with him (Rijkaard) because I have been very busy with Sweden in Euro 2004. I hope to be able to speak more with him soon.

"I know Giovanni van Bronckhorst. We used to play long ago together in Holland for Feyenoord.

"Also I played against him when Gio played for Glasgow Rangers. I know him very well," he said.

Larsson is not concerned about not being able to wear his usual number seven shirt, which is taken at Barca by Argentinian international Javier Saviola.

Larsson said: "It does not worry me too much about the numbers.

"The seven which I wore at Celtic meant a lot to me, but now I have changed clubs so I will accept whatever they offer me."

Barca have already signed Brazilian defender Juliano Belletti and French playmaker Ludovic Giuly, as they strive to clinch the Spanish title next season.