Henrik Larsson hails Celtic dominance over Rangers as King of Kings tears up at Player of the Year night

Henrik Larsson couldn't hold back his emotions as he was afforded a brilliant reception when picking up an Outstanding Contribution award at the Celtic Player of the Year night.

Nicknamed the King of Kings and the third highest goalscorer in the Hoops' history, the Swede is the idol of any supporter old enough to remember him. So it's no surprise the biggest cheer of the night at the Hydro was reserved for when he was on stage and he teared up as fans sang his songs.

Larsson paid tribute to the club and it's fans afterwards as he gave an interview to Celtic TV, explaining why the Hoops have such a special place in his heart. Asked about being close to tears, he said: "It was very close tonight because 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."

Celtic have dominated Scottish football over the last 20 years and Larsson admits he has enjoyed watching that when he can from back home. Although he says it's exactly what the club should expect and deserve to achieve.

"I try to watch as much as I can, " he explained. "There was a time they didn't show any Celtic games back home in Sweden but that's what you want. 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."

Kyogo is the current talisman at the front end of the awards, scoring goals and coming up with big moments, and has earned loose comparisons to the Celts legend. Larsson admits he enjoys watching him but stresses it's still a team game and the Japanese relies on his mates as much as he did back in the day.

He added: "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."