For once, it seems, someone is pulling out of the Olympic Games for a reason other than concerns about the Zika virus.
Jordan Larsson is the latest athlete to confirm that he will be playing no part in Rio 2016 after his father, Celtic legend Henrik Larsson, asked him not to.
Henrik is currently managing his son at Swedish club Helsingborg and due to the lack of striking options available in the team, he is unable to do without his promising forward for the duration of the Games.
“The reason is that we have only two strikers available in the current situation, one of which is on two bookings,” Henrik Larsson said, in quotes appearing on ESPNFC.com.
“We do not know when Linus Hallenius is coming back either. The most important thing is Helsingborg. I understand Jordan’s situation and what he misses.
“Unfortunately, it’s part of football. It is sad for him because obviously it would have been a good experience. Unfortunately it does not work with the situation we have right now. I have had good dialogue with Hakan Ericson.”
Hakan Ericson is the manager of the Sweden U21 side and included Jordan in his squad a fortnight ago before club manager and dad pulled rank.
Larsson continued: “I have always talked to Jordan in the early stages. He knows that we as a club and I as a father were happy when he was selected.
“We said early on that, as it stands, you go but if anything happens, you stay. It is clear that there is a disappointment to it all. At the same time, he is wise and understands.”
As downhearted as the 19-year-old is, he understands that his responsibilities lie with his club.
“It is clear that it is disappointing,” Jordan Larsson said. “It is a dream that I had wanted to fulfil.
“At the same time, I am HIF and, as it looks now, it would not have been good if I had gone. I have full understanding for the decision.”
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