Catalan newspaper El Mundo Deportivo reports that Swedish international and former Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson yesterday visited his former team mates and watched them train from the stands at the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper. Larsson, who announced his retirement from football in October, returned to Barcelona for the first time in three years. He played for the Catalan club from 2004-2006 and was instrumental in their Champions League victory over Arsenal in 2006.

Speaking in an interview with Barça TV, Larsson paid tribute to his old team stating that he believes Barcelona are playing the best football in the world and are favorites to win the El Clasico: “It is probably the most spectacular game in the world. The best players in the world are on the pitch at the same time. And according to me, Barcelona are playing the very best. It is fast football with constant line passing between Xavi and Iniesta, and with Messi, Ibra and Henry up ahead, it cannot be better. I hope we win the derby.”

The former striker who is currently on holiday in Spain would take good note as he reportedly plans to coach in the future.