Henrik Larsson yesterday pledged his future to Celtic for the next three years.

The Swede has been handed a bumper pay rise and a one-year extension to his current contract. The new contract means the striker, who scored 53 goals this season, will be 32 by the time his new deal expires, when it is likely he will return to his homeland.

Larsson, who scored four goals for Sweden against Moldova on Wednesday, said: "I am delighted to say that I have agreed a one-year extension on my contract with Celtic which will keep me at Parkhead until 2004. I'm very happy that my future is now sorted for the next few years and I will remain at Celtic."

Celtic chief executive Ian McLeod said: "Henrik is unquestionably one of the best players in Europe and this agreement is further evidence of Celtic's intent to sustain its position in Scotland and make progress in Europe."

France beat Brazil 2-1 in the Confederations Cup semi-final in Suwon, South Korea yesterday.

Striker Robert Pires and captain Marcel Desailly scored a goal in each half as France brushed aside Brazilian hopes of getting revenge for their 3-0 defeat in the 1998 World Cup final.

France will play Japan in Sunday's final after the Japanese beat Australia 1-0 in the other semi-final.

David Beckham was the target of abuse after having missiles thrown at him during England's match against Greece.

The FA immediately demanded action from football's world governing body FIFA and the Greek authorities after the player was pelted with water bottles, coins and other objects by Greek fans. FIFA have said they will look into the affair.

Meanwhile, nine English supporters and as many Greeks were arrested during Wednesday night for various incidents. In total, 70 English fans were accosted during the night but 61 were released after their identities were noted.

Lilian Thuram has admitted he would "happily go" to Manchester United as he made his availability known to Europe's elite. United have been linked with Parma's versatile French defender, along with Italian giants Lazio and Juventus. Parma want more than £20 million for the 29-year-old.

Real Madrid hope to strengthen their squad for next season with the signing of World Footballer of the Year Zinedine Zidane, the club's sporting director Jorge Valdano said yesterday.

Juventus have often said they have no intention of selling the player.

Leicester defender Frank Sinclair has committed his future to the club by signing a new three-year contract at Filbert Street.

Sammy McIlroy is set to be offered a new two-year deal to carry on as Northern Ireland manager. The Irish Football Association believe McIlroy has made progress during his 18 months in the job despite a six-match losing run. The IFA plan to sit down with McIlroy in August to discuss a new contract.

Leeds have been urged to offer French midfielder Olivier Dacourt an improved contract following interest from the Continent. The 26-year-old former Everton star is just 12 months into a fiveyear deal following his £7.2million move from Lens last summer.

Dacourt's agent said: "He is happy in Leeds and would like to stay if he can sort things out. He just wants normal money for a player of his standing."

Bayern Munich have put Brazilian striker Giovane Elbe in the shop window for $21.2 million.

Athlone Town announced last night that Liam Buckley had agreed terms to remain as manager of the club for a further season.