Emotional Henrik Larsson breaks Celtic silence after Parkhead return as reception leaves him flabbergasted

Celtic legend Henrik Larsson has hailed the Hoops for two decades of dominance in Scottish football.

The Super Swede was back in Glasgow last weekend to watch his old side steamroller Rangers to set up a 12th title in 13 seasons. Celtic are now on course to make it 18 top flight crowns in 24 years in a sensational period of superiority in the city. Brendan Rodgers’ men are closing in on several huge Scottish football records and if they can complete a league and Scottish Cup double they would move level with rivals Rangers on 118 domestic trophies.

Celts could also surpass the Ibrox side in cup triumphs with the clubs locked at 62 each and are out to move ahead in Doubles, with each currently having 12 apiece. Larsson received a hero’s welcome at Sunday night’s Celtic Player of the Year awards and admitted he’s been thrilled to see his old club ruling the roost in the 20 years since he called time on his thrilling seven seasons with Celts.

He said: “We need to dominate. We're such a big club, we want to be not only competing but we want to win It's part of the history of the club. Fans, managers, players are never happy with second spot and I think that's an environment where you create winners.”

Larsson’s place in Celtic history is secure with an incredible 242 goals in 315 games at Parkhead. The Swede admitted he has huge admiration for current main marksmen Kyogo Furuhashi – but he reckons the Japan star has just as much backing from his teammates as he did during his time in Scotland.

Larsson said: "Yeah I enjoy watching him. But there's other players in the team as well I enjoy watching. But obviously you need someone in the team scoring goals and he's been doing very, very well. But the team as well. I couldn't have scored all the goals I scored without the team around me so that's why it's a team game. He's getting a lot of praise, I got a lot of praise but it's all down to your teammates.”

Larsson admitted he was emotional at the reception he received from fans back in Glasgow when picking up an outstanding achievement award. Speaking to Celtic TV, he said: “I've been away for 20 years and the reception I got from the stage is just unbelievable. That's part of why Celtic is so important to me and in my heart. It's unbelievable, I'm lost for words. Celtic fans are absolutely fantastic and getting to meet former teammates that you played with is just a bonus. It's good because we stay in touch every now and then on the phone but it's nice when you actually meet."