Henrik Larsson was a surprise pick for Sweden’s European Championship squad and, now that he’s back after a two-year hiatus, the veteran striker seems to be realizing what he was missing.

The 36-year-old former Celtic and FC Barcelona striker said Thursday he’s not about to retire after Euro 2008.

“Ever since I got together with the group again it’s been fantastic,” Larsson said after a team practice in the Swiss city of Lugano.

When asked whether he would continue until the 2010 World Cup, Larsson said it depends on whether he extends his contract with Swedish club Helsingborg, which expires this year.

“I only have a contract until November in Sweden, so I’m gonna wait and see what happens after that,” he said. “As long as I’m playing, I’m available for selection.”

The idea of a striker playing international football in his late 30s is unusual, but the only obvious sign of Larsson’s age is the graying hair around the temples. He still has the physical qualities needed for top-level football: speed, endurance and agility.

On top of that, he has an excellent eye for the game, which only seems to improve by the year.

“Henrik reads the game very well,” Sweden coach Lars Lagerback said. “It doesn’t matter which role you give him. That’s really one of his greatest strengths.”

Judging by Thursday’s team practice in Lugano, Larsson could get a new role in Sweden’s attack in Tuesday’s opener against defending champion Greece. Lagerback dropped him behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic instead of lining up the strikers side by side.

“We think that might be good against certain opponents and during some parts of a match,” Lagerback said.

That could be one way to unsettle the staunch Greek defense, which was key to the team’s success four years ago. It could also leave the Swedes less vulnerable to counterattacks.

“You have to have respect for the other teams you’re playing,” said Larsson, who’s scored 36 goals in 95 matches for Sweden. “You have to see what they’re good at and you have to try to stop them. But at the same time you have to have your own game.”

All 23 players in the squad took part in practice in a light drizzle Thursday, including striker Johan Elmander who skipped training the day before because of a sore foot.

Larsson said the players would get a video presentation of the Greeks later Thursday and discuss strategies for the match. He didn’t want to speculate on what to expect in coming Group D matches against Spain and Russia.

“It’s the first game that counts,” Larsson said. “That’s the one we’re focusing on now. And then we see after that what we can do.”