Preben Elkjær Larsen

Preben Elkjær Larsen was born on September 11, 1957 in Copenhagen in Denmark. He is a professional Danish football player and is simply referred to as Preben Elkjær. Larsen played as a striker and had an aggressive style of play combined with a calmness and vision known also from a younger Michael Laudrup who used to play side by side with Larsen on the Danish national team from 1982-1988.

Elkjær Larsen was known as a notorious smoker, which appalling to many of his coaches. Still, he playing style was not affected by this and on the other hand it dominated with quite a determination. He never seemed to give up a "lost" ball, and from time to time this resulted in a goal, when the opponent had estimated the ball over the line and out of play, there was Larsen to chase it down.

His career started with Vanløse in his home country back in 1976, and stayed there for only one season where he played 15 games and managed to score 7 goals. After Vanløse, he joined FC Köln from Germany. He then made his international debut for Denmark, at the very young age of 19, playing against Finland and allowing his country to win when he scored the 2 winning goals (2-1 final score). After that Larsen continued on to K.S.C. Lokeren in Belgium, this time. He joined the club in February 1978 and continued there for the next five years, which turned out to be the longest period he spent at any club during his playing career.

From 1984 to 1988 Elkjær Larsen played for Hellas Verona F.C. in Italy, and in his first season with the club he became a key part in winning the only Serie A title or scudetto in the history of the club. Internationally speaking, he played an important role in the Euro in 1984, scoring 2 goals for the Danish team.

His final club was Vejle back in Denmark. He came to the club as the biggest star in Danish football but it became quite difficult for him to live up to the high expectations of fanatics. He stayed with the club for 2 years and finally retired in 1990.

Life after football:

Larsen remained quite close to football after his retirement. In 1995 he became head coach of Silkeborg IF in the Danish Superliga. But then one year later he announced his decision to be in charge of a new TV sports channel. Unfortunately, the TV station was not quite as successful as hoped for and was eventually closed. Larsen actually is a Champions League commentator at Danish TV3+ with Brian Laudrup and host Peter Schmeichel.

Playing honors:

German DFB Cup: FC Köln, 1977 & 1978

German Bundesliga: FC Köln 1977-78

Danish Player of the Year: 1984

Italian Serie A: Hellas Verona, 1984-85

Quick Information:

Full name: Preben Elkjær Larsen

Date of birth: September 11, 1957

Place of birth: Copenhagen, Denmark

Nickname: Cavallo Pazzo

Position: Striker