Sweden striker Henrik Larsson has admitted he is returning to his homeland, a decision which will disappoint Graeme Souness, who was allegedly ready to offer him a crack at playing in the Premiership.
The 34 year-old moved to the Nou Camp in 2004 from Celtic, but missed most of his first season with a knee injury and has had limited opportunities this term behind leading scorer Samuel Eto'o. Larsson's hometown club Helsingborgs are now favourites to secure his signature.
Larsson: "I've been away for 12 years now, which will be twelve and a half when my contract finishes in the summer. My son is growing up and I want him to know what life is like in Sweden. My original plan was to return home after two years at Barca. I'm 34 and I think I've got a couple of years in me yet, so I'd like to spend them playing more regularly.
"I've had no problems with anyone here, it's just that I like playing and in Sweden I'll be able to, even though it's at a lower level. We've not yet spoken with any Swedish clubs. I've not signed anything yet and I'm just focused on things here at Barca."
Larsson came out of international retirement to help Sweden in Euro 2004 and will also be with the national side in to this years World Cup Finals in Germany, where they have have been drawn in Group D with England, Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago.