Fergie: Larsson will leave
25 Feb 2007 - 11:44:07
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out attempting to keen loan star Henrik Larsson at Old Trafford beyond the end of his original March 12 departure date.
Larsson, 35, has bagged two goals since arriving in January but his all-round play has led to calls to remain with the Premiership leaders until the end of the season.
The former Celtic and Barcelona striker has always played down talk of extension and insisted he will rejoin Helsingborgs for the resumption of the Swedish season in March.
And now Ferguson has backed Larsson's stance by claiming he doesn't expect the loan deal to be extended.
"I have said all along we have Henrik here until March 12 and that doesn't change," he said.
"I am not even attempting to go near it because I respect what Helsingborgs have done for us in letting him come here and I am not changing from that.
"Henrik has a lot of responsibility to Helsingborgs too, so we are both shooting from the same gun. We are just thankful for having him here.
"The players have been absolutely amazed at him because he is such an intelligent footballer.
"It is as if he has been here for years rather than a few weeks. He has been an absolute credit in the manner he has gone about this period."