Henrik Larsson says 'it's probably over'

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STOCKHOLM (AP) -- Henrik Larsson indicated Sunday that he'll quit the Swedish national team next week even if it qualifies for the World Cup.

The striker became Sweden's oldest ever outfield player in its 1-0 loss to Denmark on Saturday at 38 years, 20 days. He hinted that Sweden's final Group 1 game against Albania on Wednesday could be his last for the team to cap a brilliant international career.

To get into the playoffs, Sweden must win and hope Portugal slips up against winless Malta.

"It's probably over now," Larsson said. "Today, I feel that there will be no World Cup even if we qualify."

Larsson has retired several times before only to come back, but he says this time is different.

"I'm 38, it's not likely that I will not commit myself to more championships," he said.

The former Celtic and Barcelona star, who broke through when Sweden finished third at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, believes Sweden still has a chance to reach next year's tournament in South Africa.

"We must still believe that we can qualify," Larsson said. "Think if something happens in Portugal and we don't win ... I would never forgive myself."

The Sweden captain, who has scored 37 goals in 106 internationals, will end the season with hometown team Helsingborg. When the domestic season concludes Nov. 1, it could be the last match of his career.

"I don't know what will happen," he said. "I'd like to become a coach. I've gained a lot of experience throughout the years."

Larsson, who recently came back after a knee injury, also played with Feyenoord but spent most of his career at Celtic. He won the Golden Boot as Europe's top scorer in 2000-01 while playing for the Scottish side.

Larsson also had a stint at Manchester United in 2007, and played in three World Cups and three European Championships for Sweden.

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