Martin O'Neill has admitted that he would be prepared to let Henrik Larsson's contract run out at Celtic - even if it meant missing out on a big transfer fee.
The record-breaking striker has maintained that he would see out his contract, which expires at the end of next season, before quitting Scotland.
That would leave the 32-year-old free to join any club in Europe for one last big pay day and there is sure to be no shortage of interest.
But the Celtic boss is quite prepared to let Larsson see out his contract and miss out on a financial windfall because of the service he has given to the Scottish giants.
O'Neill said: "Henrik made it perfectly plain that he would want to see his contract through.
"He would be in the driving seat and I would go along with that and be prepared to let it run through.
"If this is the time that he wants to finish with Scottish football or whatever he wants then that's absolutely fine by me.
"It is understandable in this day and age that people will be looking for an alternative, but the truth is that if that's what he exactly wants to do then I will not be putting any pressure on wanting him to shorten time.
"He has done fantastically well at the football club."
The club could cash in on Larsson when the transfer window opens tomorrow and Manchester United have been linked with the prolific 29-goal front man.
A quick sale now could net O'Neill over #7million for a younger replacement, but he does not even expect the Parkhead money men to force the fans' favourite to leave.
"It's my own view, but I wouldn't have thought the people upstairs would be looking to do that after the service he has given here," added O'Neill.
"I might be wrong but I can't see that."
O'Neill, however, would love to see his star man sign a longer deal, but he does not expect the single-minded former Feyenoord man to go back on his decision.
Larsson quit international football after the World Cup and is on target to beat his 53 goals of two seasons ago as Celtic won the treble.