Celtic: Henrik Larsson in charity game return hope

Henrik Larsson, right, celebrates a goal with team-mate Stiliyan Petrov in 2004. Picture: Getty

• Henrik Larsson aims to return to Parkhead in September to play legends charity match

• “If I can make it, I will come,” says club legend ahead of game held to celebrate career of Stiliyan Petrov

The game on September 8 will celebrate the career of fellow former Hoops player Stiliyan Petrov, who announced his retirement in May as he continues his battle with leukaemia.

Ex-Celtic, Manchester United and Barcelona striker Larsson is aiming to make a fleeting return to the east end of Glasgow after giving his backing to the match.

He told the club’s website: “If I can make it, I will come.

“I’ve said that all along but it depends what’s going to happen with my working situation. But if I get an hour or two I will fly over and come and play the game!

“I would definitely like to take part in the game. I’ve always said that it’s a great place. That’s where I made my name and that’s where I became the player I was - I absolutely love the place.”

Funds raised will go to Celtic Charity and will support Petrov’s nominated charities, as well as other projects and causes within the local community and beyond.

Larsson added: “Obviously I was very saddened when I heard the news of Stan’s illness.

“He’s a player and a man that I know very well and we shared a lot of things together.

“It was very saddening when I heard it, but you don’t think only of him, you think of his family as well.

“He’s a strong guy and you just hope that everything goes well because he’s a fantastic guy and I’m looking forward to seeing him.”

Meanwhile, BBC Scotland and BBC Northern Ireland have secured live rights to Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against Cliftonville at Solitude on July 17.