Barça player and Celtic Park legend Henrik Larsson was awarded with an MBE of the British Empire for his contribution to British football in a ceremony in Barcelona on Tuesday. British Ambassador in Spain, Stephen Wright presented Henrik "Henke" Larsson with this prestigious MBE Award.
Celtic supporters had put current Barca star Larsson's name forward for the award and Queen Elisabeth accepted in recognition to the player's outstanding performances and personality in a Celtic shirt. Swedish striker Larsson netted 242 goals for Celtic Glasgow in seven seasons at Parkhead.

Celtic hero Larsson thanked very emotionally:

I am very honoured. I know that it is uncommon for foreigners to receive this distinguished award. It is in recognition of my work, but also of all my team-mates and colleagues that have helped me throughout my career. Celtic is an extraordinary club, like one big family.

The ceremony took place at the Hotel Princess Sofia just around the corner of Camp Nou and the trainings facilities at La Masia. The award ceremony was attended by Henrik Larsson's wife and children along with Barca´s dutch defender Gio Van Bronkhorst (also team mate at Feyenoord Rotterdam), John Clarke (member of Celtic´s European Cup winners in 1967), Wim Jansen (Larsson´s former Celtic manager) and Murdo McLeod (Ex-team mate and captain of Celtic).


Barça striker Henrik Larsson, who won the hearts of the Barca supporters during his 2 years spell in Barcelona has finally decided to return and finish his career at his home town Club Helsingborg in Sweden.


FC Barcelona´s president Joan Laporta is convinced of Henrik Larsson´s great personality and outstanding professionality and he feels that he absolutely deserves the award:

It is recognition for his human qualities and his ability as a football player.

FC Barcelona Blog´s opinion: If there is one person who deserves this prestigious award, it is Henrik "Henke" Larsson!