Former Arsenal youngster, Sebastian Larsson, will retire from playing football next month when the Swedish season ends.

Sebastian Larsson signed for Arsenal in the summer of 2001 when he was just 16.

In 2006, he joined Birmingham on loan before being sold to them in a permanent deal for £1.35m in 2007.

“It’s obviously very nice to hear Arsene Wenger say complimentary things,” Larsson said ahead of a game between Birmingham and Arsenal in 2008 when he was told Wenger had said it had been a difficult decision to let both Larsson and Fabrice Muamba go.

“I had a chat with him when I first went out on loan to Birmingham. He told me that I was not exactly there at that moment but he believed I could be in the future.

“It’s nice if he thinks that you’ve got talent and you can progress and become a good player.

Larsson stayed with Birmingham until 2011, making 205 appearances, scoring 26 and assisting 26.

A free transfer to Sunderland followed where he made another 203 appearances with 14 gaols and 23 assists.

From Sunderland to Hull on another free transfer in 2017, Larsson only remained there for a single season before heaing back to Sweden to join AIK, where he has been since, scoring 31 and assisting 33 in just 153 appearances.

“Football has given me so much and has been a big part of my whole life,” Larsson told AIK’s website.

“After a long process, I have now made the decision to end my active career after this season.

“My time at AIK has been absolutely fantastic.

“Moving home to Sweden and getting the opportunity to represent this beautiful club for four and a half years is one of the best decisions I’ve made.

“I want to thank all the leaders and players at Karlberg for the support I felt on a daily basis. Thanks to all the supporters, you made me feel at home from day one through thick and thin.

“For that I am eternally grateful. Now there is full focus on the final five matches in the Allsvenskan. I will give my all all the way in.”