“Häcken’s Lars Olden Larsen on the Shape of His Life and the Uncertainty of FIFA’s Decision on Russian Contracts”

GOTHENBURG. He describes it himself as being in the shape of his life.

Then there is one place Häcken’s Lars Olden Larsen, 24, does not want to return to – Russia.

– Then someone will put me on a flight and force me there, says the Norwegian.

Among many good players in Häcken’s strong season opening, Lars Olden Larsen has been one of the best.

The left winger had accounted for one goal and four assists before the meeting with IFK Värnamo. Now he accounted for the 1-0 goal in the 3-1 victory on Saturday night and continued to create chances.

Are you in the shape of your life?

– Yes, I actually think so.

The explanation for that?

– We have incredibly good training. I get to develop with many good coaches and fellow players. I feel like I’m gaining confidence after I’ve had a lot of good matches in a row. I know I will create goals and chances if I do my job. It is a security for me.

“Fifa is very late”

However, a large cloud of worry hangs over Häckenstjärnan.

Last winter he was recruited to Russian Nizhny Novgorod from Norwegian Mjöndalen. Olden Larsen managed to play four games with Novgorod after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine before all foreign players, by decision of Fifa, had to pause their contracts and leave the country.

A decision that Fifa at the beginning of last summer extended until the end of June this year.

But now players like Olden Larsen and IFK Norrköping’s Arnor Sigurdsson are waiting for information about what applies after June 30 this summer. That is as far as the loan agreement with Häcken extends.

– FIFA is very late.

Is there somewhere in your world that you return to Russia?

– No. Then someone will put me on a plane and force me there. I enjoyed myself there, but as the situation is now, I will not play football in Russia. I hope it will be resolved one way or another, says Lars Olden Larsen.

– I have a good agent and people around me who help me stay focused on Häcken.

“It would be best if I were free”

The 24-year-old’s contract with Nizhny Novgorod runs until the end of June 2025.

Are you prepared to lose money to be released from the contract?

– I haven’t thought about that, if I have to pay money for myself. The best would be if I am released from the contract. I hope Häcken and my agent solve it somehow.

Is there a dialogue with Nizhny Novgorod?

– Yes, there is a dialogue there, but I don’t get involved in how extensive it is. If I were to talk to my agent about it all the time, I would lose focus.

What do you think of Fifa’s late announcement?

– It is sad that they are taking so long. We are several players who are in that situation here (in the Allsvenskan). I hope they come up with a good decision in the end.

Did you foresee this development when you moved here?

– When I was in Russia, I checked the table and then Häcken had finished 12th the previous season. I knew it was a good team, but that we would win gold, play in the cup final and be as good as we are – I didn’t think that.

– I am proud that I fought my way back and contributed to the gold and am now a big part of the team, says Olden Larsen.

Dreaming of the Champions League

Do you see a longer future in Häcken?

– People are very keen to see how far we can go this year, in the Allsvenskan, the cup final and in Europe. I look forward to it. It’s very special not to have a contract when it starts.

– I have no time perspective, but I dream of playing in the Champions League. It would have been great fun, says Lars Olden Larsen.

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