Fredrik Ljungberg Zone

Siesta Time!

2009-04-18T14:34:00.001+01:00

Well I think this may be the end. My heart has gone out of the blogs and I'm not sure if I'm gonna continue with them or not. Why? Well Freddie is at Seattle Sounders who I just can't get into - just don't like the colour of their kit for a start. Smudge is always on the bench at Newcastle and there's just no news. Only Beckham is peaking my interest at the moment with him being at Milan so I may keep that one updated.

It's also a time thing and these days I feel like I am doing it just for the sake of it. The blogs are just getting stale without constant updating and as a result the number of visitors is falling and the comments and feedback have almost dried up.

So I'm taking a break. I'll just follow the guys myself. The blogs will stay up for a while if people still want to look around them until I decide what I'm gonna do.

Take care

Paul

Match Report: Seattle Sounders 0 - 1 Kansas City

2009-04-12T10:58:00.006+01:00

Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 1 Kansas City Wizards
MLS

Seattle: Keller, Marshall, Hurtado, Scott (Nyassi 86), Riley, Alonso, Evans , Ljungberg, Le Toux (Dragavon 29), Zakuani, Jaqua
Subs not used: Ianni, Wahl, Sturgis, Levesque, Montero

Sent Off: Keller 29 (Handled ball outside Goal area)
Booked: Evans

Kansas City: Hartman , Besler, Hohlbein, Conrad, Watson, Jewsbury , Hirsig (Kraus 64), Arnaud, Wolff, Gomez (Harrington 77), Lopez (Espinoza 82)
Subs not used: Pardo, McKenzie, Souter, Thompson

Booked: Jewsbury, Kraus, Hartman
Goals: Arnaud 80

Attendance: 28,746

Referee: Abbey Okulaja

Match Stats
	Seattle	Kansas City
Shots (on Goal)	6 (3)	6 (3)
Fouls	7	10
Corner Kicks	3	5
Offsides	0	2
Time of Possession	50%	50%
Yellow Cards	1	3
Red Cards	1	0
Saves	2	3

Match Report: Toronto 0 - 2 Seattle Sounders

2009-04-04T23:46:00.006+01:00

Toronto FC 0 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC
MLS

Toronto FC: Sutton, Harmse, Serioux, Wynne, Robsinson, Guevara, De Rosario, Brennan , Ricketts (Cronin 46), Vitti (Smith 85), Barrett (Dichio 56)
Subs not used: Edwards, Velez, Gomez, Ibrahim

Booked: Brennan, Cronin

Seattle: keller, Riley , Marshall, Scott , Hurtado , Evans, Alonso, Ljungberg (Nyassi 78), Le Toux, Zakuani (Sturgis 79), Jaqua
Subs not used: Dragavin, Ianni, Wahl, King, Levesque

Booked: Hurtado, Riley, Scott
Goals: Ljungberg 15, Zakuani 45

Attendance: 11,806

Referee: Mark Geiger

Match Stats
	Toronto	Seattle
Shots (on Goal)	9 (3)	10 (4)
Fouls	7	7
Corner Kicks	4	2
Offsides	3	2
Time of Possession	50%	50%
Yellow Cards	2	3
Red Cards	0	0
Saves	1	5

Big Picture: Freddie's Back

2009-03-29T16:50:00.003+01:00

Photos by Rod Mar at www.rodmarphoto.com
and Seattle Sounders FC

Match Report: Seattle Sounders 2 - 0 Real Salt Lake

2009-03-29T15:56:00.006+01:00

Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 0 Real Salt Lake
Major League Soccer

Seattle: Keller, Riley, Hurtado, Marshall, Scott, Alonso , Evans, Le Toux (Levesque 90), Zakuani (Ljungberg 61), Jaqua (Sturgis 71), Montero
Subs not used: Dragavon, Ianni, Wahl, King

Booked: Alonso
Goals: Jaqua 17, Montero 77

Real Salt Lake: Rimandro, Beltran (Cox 84), Borchers, Olave , Wingert, Beckerman , Johnson, Morales , Mathis (Alexander 89), Movsisyan, Findley (Williams 74)
Subs not used: Seitz, Horst, Grabavoy, Nunez

Booked: Beckerman, Morales, Olave

Attendance: 28,548

Referee: Baldomero Toledo

Match Stats
	Seattle	Real Salt Lake
Shots (on Goal)	7(3)	7(3)
Fouls	10	12
Corner Kicks	8	12
Offsides	0	0
Time of Possession	47%	53%
Yellow Cards	1	3
Red Cards	0	0
Saves	4	2

Photos by Rod Mar at www.rodmarphoto.com
and Seattle Sounders FC

Ljungberg ready for Seattle debut

2009-03-27T09:39:00.002Z

Swedish star Freddie Ljungberg says he will play this weekend for the first time since last summer.

The midfielder for the new Seattle Sounders said after practice on Thursday that he expects to play about 30 minutes as a reserve against Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

He hasn't played since June, for Sweden at the European Championship. The 31-year-old had surgery on a torn labrum in his left hip in December.

"Now it feels great," Ljungberg said. "I haven't felt like this in years. It's 100 percent."

He said he was about a month ahead of doctors' original estimates for his return, thanks to rigorous rehabilitation.

"I've been feeling good, so it shouldn't be a problem," he said. "I'll probably play part of the game at least, so I don't overdo it. It's a long season, and I don't want to push it."

Sounders coach Sigi Schmid confirmed that Ljungberg was part of his game plan, even if it's only as a reserve.

"It makes more sense for him to come off the bench in this game," Schmid said. "The one thing we don't want to do is push too early and push too hard and suffer a setback. We're in game two. We want to make sure he's around for the other 28."

Seattle was paying Ljungberg $1.3 million per season. He was one of the top offensive midfielders in the English Premier League a few years ago with Arsenal.

"He has trained hard and had a good week," Schmid said. "He has come through each training session feeling better than the last day, which is real good for us."

Source: Sports Illustrated

Ljungberg: Wenger may leave Arsenal

2009-03-23T19:00:00.002Z

Former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg fears Arsene Wenger may leave the club if he is offered a bigger budget to work with elsewhere.

Wenger has nurtured talent rather than spending big money - but the Gunners have not won a trophy since 2005 and are virtually out of the Premier League title race this season.

Ljungberg, who won the title twice under Wenger, told ESPN: "If he gets a great opportunity somewhere where they spend more money and win things, maybe that's a possibility. At the same time he likes to bring up new players and he has been at Arsenal a long time.

"I know he is a winner; he always wants to win - just as much as the players. He gets as angry as the players when we lose.

"When they are not winning, or they are fourth or fifth, I know he is not happy about not winning."

Ljungberg, now at Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders in America, feels money is an important factor in Arsenal's trophy drought.

The 31-year-old said: "Maybe it's harder. If you look at the money they are spending, they are not spending as much as before.

"Maybe it puts more pressure on him [Wenger]; maybe he can't get exactly what he wants all the time; maybe he could a bit more in the past."

While the current team have had splits in the dressing room this season, Ljungberg has fond memories of the side he played in.

"They were the best years of my life - we were like a family," he said.

"We had great players and a great team and won everything we could win.

"All the guys were great. It was like we had 11 captains on the pitch - everyone knew what they were supposed to do. We socialised off the pitch as well; for me, it was a great time.

"When he [Wenger] buys a player he looks at how they fit in the dressing room as well as how good they are. He doesn't want any problems, and that is important.

"In my opinion he is a great, great manager. Of course I'm upset at the moment that they are not doing that great, and it's a sad thing.

"For my career, he helped me so much. When I was young he showed me certain things that you learn when you are older in the game. For me, he is one of the best managers in the world."

Source: Sporting Life

Ljungberg in the Stadium

2009-03-21T10:46:00.003Z

Fredrik Ljungberg has still not completely recovered after his hip operation but was in the public gallery when the Seattle Sounders team played against New York in MLS last night.

"It was everything you could have dreamed of!" said Sigi Schmid to the club's website after winning the prize infront of a packed crowd.

Fredy Montero, international for Colombia scored to take it to 1-0 in the eleventh minute. Brad Evans made it 2-0 just ten minutes later. Montero scored again to make it 3-0 in the second half and set the final result.

Fredrik Ljungberg is expected to be back in the game by 28 March, in time for Seattle the next match.

Source: Sportal (Translated)

Ljungberg won't play in Sounders FC opener

2009-03-17T19:38:00.002Z

Freddie Ljungberg's recovery from hip surgery remains ahead of schedule, but Sounders FC's designated player and most internationally recognizable face doesn't expect to be able to play in the team's inaugural game Thursday night at Qwest Field.

"Physically, I'm quite ready," Ljungberg said after practice at Starfire Soccer Complex Monday, "but I think we're going to give it a little bit of time so we don't have any hiccups, or I will play two games and I'll get sore or something like that. So they want to give me more time."

Ljungberg said it's more realistic that he'll play in Sounders FC's second regular-season game, March 28 at Qwest Field against Real Salt Lake. But that couldn't keep the smile of satisfaction off his face when talking about his recovery.

"I've known for quite a long time that the opener probably won't be a possibility," said Ljungberg, who had his first full workout after hip surgery less than three months ago and remains ahead of schedule. "That I'm this close, for me, is just amazing. If I miss one game, I think that's amazing for me."

Sounders FC opens against the New York Red Bulls on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Source: Seattle Times

Ljungberg and Vagenas Join Sounders Teammates for Training

2009-03-12T17:08:00.002Z

Veteran midfielders Freddie Ljungberg and Peter Vagenas joined their Sounders teammates on the pitch for the first time on Monday.

Freddie Ljungberg, Seattle's 31-year-old Designated Player, had surgery last December in Colorado for a recurring hip condition. He stretched and did light running on the QWest Field pitch.

After the training session ended, Ljungberg said, "I'm feeling great. I probably can do everything in training. We just want to be careful in the beginning."

No one expects Ljungberg to be game ready for Seattle's nationally televised home opener on March 19 against the New York Red Bulls.

However, Ljungberg was optimistic, and said, "I'm so much ahead of schedule. It looks too good to be true. I'm scared that if I do too much that I'll have a setback."

Peter Vagenas, the former L.A. Galaxy player, was selected by Seattle in the 2008 Expansion Draft. Once the season ended, he underwent athroscopic surgery to trim articular cartilage on his knee.

"I started some jogging and running last week," Vagenas said. "I'm about five and a half weeks out. So, it's progressing."

Head coach Sigi Schmid was pleased to have his entire team together for the first time. He said, "It's good to have Freddie and Peter Vagenas. The whole squad was here."

Source: Goal.com

Ljungberg back in Seattle

2009-03-08T18:14:00.001Z

Seattle Sounders have welcomed Freddie Ljungberg to Seattle in preparations for their debut MLS season.

Speaking at the Sea-Tac Airport both Ljungberg and Seattle FC co owner Adrian Hanauer were in good spirits now the designated player has arrived.

"We've been looking forward to getting Freddie into town," Adrian Hanauer said. "First and foremost we want him to get acclimated to the city, get to know his teammates and get assimilated into the team and over time as he starts training he can be a big contributor to the team."

With Ljungberg undergoing hip surgery in December all eyes are on the star player to see when he may make his MLS debut.

"The hip is doing great, I’m already running and I’ve played a bit of football. So it's all happy days. I wish someone would have told me earlier and we could have done it. At the end of the day when we found out what it was and that I wouldn’t have any problems during the season, Adrian thought it was a no-brainer to do the surgery and get back."

As for a definitive date to when he will play Ljungberg replied: “It's a bit touch-and-go. I feel great, but the physio is a bit concerned and is holding me back a little bit to keep me from having a setback later on. I'm looking forward to it. It’s a team sport and when you do the rehab on your own, it’s very boring.

"You miss the banter, I’m already running and I’ve played a bit of football. So it’s all happy days. I wish someone would have told me earlier and we could have done it. At the end of the day when we found out what it was and that I wouldn’t have any problems during the season, Adrian thought it was a no-brainer to do the surgery and get back to the dressing room. It’s going to be great to meet them.”

Source: TribalFootball

2009 MLS Seattle Sounders Fixtures

2009-02-25T19:13:00.003Z

19/03/09 (Home) - New York Red Bulls (ko 18:00)
28/03/09 (Home) - Real Salt Lake (ko 19:30)
04/04/09 (Away) - Toronto FC (ko 13:00)
11/04/09 (Home) - Kansas City Wizards (ko 19:30)
18/04/09 (Away) - Chivas USA (ko 19:30)
25/04/09 (Home) - San Jose Earthquakes (ko 19:30)
02/05/09 (Away) - Chicago Fire (ko 17:30)
10/05/09 (Home) - LA Galaxy (ko 12:00)
16/05/09 (Away) - FC Dallas (ko 17:30)
23/05/09 (Away) - Colorado Rapids (ko 18:30)
30/05/09 (Home) - Columbus Crew (ko 17:30)
06/06/09 (Away) - Chivas USA (ko 19:30)
13/06/09 (Home) - San Jose Earthquakes (ko 19:30)
17/06/09 (Home) - DC United (ko 18:00)
20/06/09 (Away) - New York Red Bulls (ko 16:30)
28/06/09 (Home) - Colorado Rapids (ko 13:00)
11/07/09 (Home) - Houston Dynamo (ko 13:00)
18/07/09 (Home) - Chelsea FC (ko 12:00) Friendly
25/07/09 (Home) - Chicago Fire (ko 12:00)
02/08/09 (Away) - San Jose Earthquakes (ko 12:00)
08/08/09 (Away) - Real Salt Lake (ko 18:00)
15/08/09 (Away) - LA Galaxy (ko 20:00)
20/08/09 (Home) - New England Revolution (ko 19:00)
23/08/09 (Away) - Houston Dynamo (ko 17:30)
29/08/09 (Home) - Toronto FC (ko 13:00)
12/09/09 (Away) - DC United (ko 16:30)
19/09/09 (Home) - Chivas USA (ko 12:00)
26/09/09 (Away) - New England Revolution (ko 16:30)
03/10/09 (Away) - Columbus Crew (ko 16:30)
17/10/09 (Away) - Kansas City Wizards (ko 17:30)
24/10/09 (Home) - FC Dallas (ko 19:30)

Dates and times are subject to change

Ljungberg back in training with Halmia

2009-02-25T18:57:00.003Z

Seattle professional Fredrik Ljungberg is currently back in Sweden at his home in Halmstad, but the retired national team captain is now back in training with League 2 side Halmia.

"It's nice to touch a ball again!", Freddie told Hallandsposten after training on Tuesday evening.

Ljungberg has not played football since the game against Russia in the European Championships last Summer, he had a hip operation before Christmas but is already back in training.

"I am following a timetable that will normally take four months for me to get totally fit. I am of course taking it slowly and not training hard that anything gets set back", Ljungberg told the newspaper.

Ljungberg will still miss Seattle's debut in the MLS against New York Red Bulls on 19th March.

Source: Sportal

Ljungberg Update

2009-02-21T11:01:00.002Z

Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is still recovering from hip surgery in Sweden. The Sounders could him, an injured Peter Vagenas, on the disabled list, which would cost them at least the first six games. The Sounders' seventh regular-season game is 2 May.

"I don't think either of those two guys want to be on the disabled list," Sigi Schmid, the Sounders' coach said. "Both of those guys are schedule-wise right on the verge of getting back on the field in the first two weeks of April. You really want guys like that healthy and on the field during key games in April."

Source: Seattle Post

Sounders FC match with Chelsea confirmed

2009-02-18T17:29:00.001Z

Chelsea FC, one of the most storied soccer franchises in Europe, will visit Qwest Field on July 18 for a friendly against Seattle Sounders FC, the team announced Tuesday.

Chelsea, known in soccer circles as "The Blues," features forward Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast, vice captain Frank Lampard of England and midfielder Michael Ballack of Germany. The English Premier League club has played in Seattle four times, including as recently as 2004, when it defeated Celtic 4-2 at Qwest Field.

This summer's game will kick off at noon and will be televised live by ESPN2. Only Sounders FC season-ticket holders now can get tickets for the match, but an individual game sale will be announced this spring.

Sounders FC has sold 19,800 season tickets for its upcoming inaugural Major League Soccer season.

"This will be unlike any international game ever played in the Pacific Northwest," Sounders FC majority owner Joe Roth said in a statement from the club. "Chelsea is one of the top clubs in the world, and they are playing the home team, our Sounders FC, backed by our loyal supporters. The atmosphere that afternoon will be incredible."

Tickets sales for the game will be expanded to include the stadium's upper bowl.

Seattle has a history of drawing large crowds for international friendlies this decade.

Chelsea won back-to-back EPL championships in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006.

"We are delighted to be opening our preseason preparations in Seattle," Peter Kenyon, chief executive of Chelsea, said. "It is a fantastic city, and we have great memories of our time there in the summer of 2004 which went on to be a great season for us. The Sounders FC will provide us with a real test and we are happy that a sporting city like Seattle now has its own new soccer franchise as it is important for the development of the game in the United States.

"We will be bringing a full-strength squad so it should be a great game."

Source: Seattle Times

Ljungberg ahead of schedule

2009-01-21T21:42:00.003Z

Freddie Ljungberg is ahead of schedule in his recovery from hip surgery, new club Seattle Sounders have revealed.

The 31-year-old former Sweden international went under the knife at the renowned Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Colorado on December 19, when the Major League Soccer outfit projected his return to training was 10 to 12 weeks away.

Yet a club spokesman said the former Arsenal and West Ham star was progressing better than expected with his rehabilitation, which he is continuing at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail under the supervision of his surgeon Dr Marc Philippon.

"He's actually ahead of schedule right now," the Sounders' Zac Kaplan said.

"We don't know exactly when he'll be returning to training but according to our technical director he's ahead of schedule."

Seattle begin their inaugural season in MLS on March 19 at home to New York Red Bulls with the initial projection for Ljungberg indicating the midfielder would miss all of the club's pre-season training, beginning next week.

Ljungberg signed for Seattle on October 28 having had his contract with West Ham terminated after just 25 appearances for the Hammers in his one season at Upton Park.

He moved to the United States as one of MLS's Designated Players, meaning his salary did not count towards the league-enforced salary cap imposed on each team.

The rule was introduced to encourage clubs to attract world-renowned stars, with David Beckham becoming the first such player when he joined the Los Angeles Galaxy from Real Madrid in 2007.

Source: Sporting Life

Arsenal.com - Freddie's Top 10 Goals

2009-01-13T21:05:00.003Z

Arsenal.com have a free video showing Freddie's Top 10 Goals. Visit Arsenal.com to see if your favourite is there.

God Jul och Gott Nytt Ar

2008-12-24T17:15:00.002Z

Ljungberg to miss 10-12 weeks after surgery

2008-12-20T10:39:00.003Z

Seattle Sounders FC's run of good news and high-profile announcements stalled with the news that designated player Freddie Ljungberg is expected to miss at least part of training camp and possibly the team's inaugural game March 19 after undergoing surgery to repair a hip condition.

The 31-year-old midfielder is expected to miss 10 to 12 weeks of training, the team announced Friday, but is also expected to make a full recovery. Ljungberg also had a previous hamstring problem addressed.

Ljungberg, who in October signed a two-year contract with Seattle believed to be worth $2.5 million per season, had the operation done Friday at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, Colo.

"Freddie Ljungberg is a player that we value for the long term," Sounders FC general manager Adrian Hanauer said in a statement. "As Freddie increased his training regimen for the upcoming season, we wanted to make sure that he was firing on all cylinders for the next two years and beyond.

"As he increased his training intensity, he suffered a mild reoccurrence of the hamstring problems that have occasionally hampered him over the past two years. At that point, Freddie and the club wanted to be proactive and we decided to have him see the best hip and hamstring specialists in the country."

Surgeons repaired a slightly torn hip labrum and shaved a small amount of bone where the hip meets the femur.

"The objective of this surgery is to eliminate the nagging injuries and to ensure that Freddie has the explosiveness necessary to be a major contributor for Sounders FC every time he steps on the pitch," Hanauer said.

Source: Seattle Times

Freddie visits Seahawks practice

2008-12-05T22:09:00.002Z

Freddie exchanges shirts with Seahawkes Quarter-Back Matt Hasselbeck after visiting the Seahawkes practice yesterday!

Seattle debuts uniform in runway show

2008-12-05T21:59:00.001Z

The Seattle Sounders FC, the newest franchise in MLS, debuted their home and away kits in a fashion show at the WaMu Theater in Renton, Wa.

Sounders FC goalkeeper Kasey Keller and midfielder Freddie Ljungberg took to the runway to showcase the new kits. The color scheme of rave green, cascade shale and Sounders blue was selected to reflect the city's distinguishable land and waterscape.

"I like the loose jackets, because I'm fat," said Sounders minority owner Drew Carey. "I love the colors. We want to stand out, not be like the other teams."

In addition, all proceeds from the Sounders FC fashion show will benefit two local organizations -- the Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute and the Quest for a Cure Guild.

Source: ESPN

Freddie in Seattle Posters

2008-11-23T21:17:00.004Z

Seattle are now stepping up for the new MLS season with the promotion of Season Tickets and the dubious use of Freddie in some posters! (Not the best look for Freddie). The club, apparently, has a reported 18,000 season ticket sales already, the highest in the MLS.

Source: GoSounders.com

Big Picture: Retrospective #9

2008-11-23T21:01:00.002Z

Freddie vies with David Beckham in the World Cup 2002 match between Sweden and England in Korea/Japan

Freddie at Seattle Sounders press conference

2008-10-30T21:53:00.007Z

Other videos from SVT.se (in Swedish but you'll get the drift!)

Ljungberg relishes move to MLS team Seattle Sounders

2008-10-30T21:24:00.003Z

Freddie Ljungberg insists his move to the Seattle Sounders team in United States Major League Soccer is more than an end-of-career pay day.

The former Sweden international, who played nine seasons with Arsenal, was released by West Ham in the summer just one year into a four-year deal.

Ljungberg's final seasons at Arsenal and his single season at West Ham were blighted by a succession of injuries, but the 31-year-old says he can still provide value for Seattle, which enters the MLS next season.

The former Sweden captain signed a multi-year deal with the Sounders, although only a small portion of his salary will count against the team's salary cap. It is believed that Ljungberg will be paid $2.5 million (£1.5 million) per year to play in Seattle.

"I felt if I was going to do this, it's a sincere thing, and really help the people over here with soccer, I should go now," Ljungberg said on Tuesday. "I shouldn't go in three years' time when I'm past my peak. I feel really happy to be here."

Ljungberg was a key part of the Arsenal midfield for nine seasons, during that time they won two league titles and three FA Cups. He was recently voted No 11 of Arsenal's top-50 players of all-time.

But late in his Arsenal career, and last season playing for West Ham, Ljungberg became injury-prone and his attractiveness to the top clubs in Europe appeared to be diminishing. He put some of those concerns to rest by captaining Sweden in the Euro Championships last summer, but the Swedes failed to advance out of group play.

Ljungberg was signed as Seattle's designated player, whose pay does not count under salary cap calculations. The rule was introduced ahead of the 2007 season, allowing Los Angeles to sign former England captain David Beckham.

Hollywood film producer and director Joe Roth, who is the majority owner of the Sounders, said he initially was not going to sign a designated player, but changed his mind when Ljungberg became available.

"It was my promise to the city of Seattle that we wouldn't come on as a straggling expansion team," Roth said, adding Ljungberg's signing was part of ambitious plans to make the MLS play-offs at the first attempt.

"Having Freddie in the centre of the field is going to help us get there. It's a great honour.

"It's going to help us as we get on our feet, and not act like an expansion team."

Ljungberg becomes Seattle's fourth signing, joining veteran American goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who played at the top level in England, Spain and Germany. French forward Sebastien Le Toux and Gambian midfielder Sanna Nyassi, who both currently play with the Sounders in the second tier of US football, had also been signed for the big league next season.

Source: Telegraph

Big Picture

2008-10-28T20:39:00.002Z

Ljungberg signs for Seattle Sounders

2008-10-28T19:13:00.002Z

Former Sweden and Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has signed for the Seattle Sounders, the MLS expansion team said on Tuesday.

Ljungberg has been without a club since his contract with Premier League West Ham United was cancelled in August, having retired from international football in June.

He joins the MLS's newest team, which kicks off in March next year, under the same 'designated player' ruling that allowed LA Galaxy to sign David Beckham from Real Madrid.

"We looked far and wide for a designated player who would represent the spirit of our team," said Sounders owner Joe Roth.

"In Freddie Ljungberg, we found it. A proven international star at Arsenal and captain of the Swedish national Team, Freddie is the exciting, creative force we need and we are sure the Seattle fans are in for a great treat," he added.

Ljungberg, who played 75 times for his country, said he had receivers offers from European clubs but had his heart set on a move to Seattle.

"Fortunately, I had many opportunities and offers from around Europe and the rest of the world during the last few months, including Seattle to play in MLS," said Ljungberg.

"After thoughtful consideration, I decided this opportunity with Seattle was the right one for me. Seattle is a great city. I know this part of the world quite well.

"The club itself has such great ambition and the fans over here are very passionate about their team," he added.

The team did not give details of the contract beyond saying the Swede had signed a 'multi-year deal' but local media reports said Ljungberg has a two-year contract.

Source: Reuters

Ljungberg confirms MLS move

2008-10-28T15:17:00.002Z

Freddie Ljungberg has confirmed that he has agreed a deal to move to MLS side Seattle Sounders.

The former Arsenal midfielder, 31, has been a free agent since leaving West Ham in the summer and will now follow in the footsteps of David Beckham in becoming one of the US league’s ‘Designated Players’.

Outside a press conference to announce his signature, he told Swedish newspaper Sport-Expressen: “I have it so good here. It feels great.

“I am delighted to be here.”

The move will be rubber-stamped at the conference when more details of the deal are expected to be announced.

Source: Setanta Sport

Sky Sports reports that the deal is for 2 years and is worth £12.7m (€16.5m)

Ljungberg to join Seattle Sounders in MLS

2008-10-26T20:04:00.002Z

Former Sweden captain Fredrik Ljungberg is reportedly set to sign for the Seattle Sounders in Major League Soccer.

Citing unnamed sources, Swedish television channel TV4 said Ljungberg was traveling to the United States on Sunday and will be presented by the team at a news conference Tuesday.

The 31-year-old Ljungberg, who quit the Swedish national team in June, was released by West Ham in August after the first year of a four-year contract. He had won the Premier League title with Arsenal in 2002 and 2004.

Ljungberg played in the last five major football tournaments for Sweden. They were the European Championship in 2000, 2004 and 2008, and the World Cup in 2002 and 2006.

Source: FoxSports

Opinion Poll

2008-10-26T11:08:00.000Z

Sounders FC ready to sign Freddie Ljungberg

2008-10-26T00:29:00.001+01:00

Seattle Sounders FC is poised to sign Swedish midfielder Freddie Ljungberg as its designated player, according to a report that was to run in Sweden's Expressen newspaper Saturday.

Ljungberg, 31, was recently in Seattle to meet with Sounders FC officials, a reporter with the newspaper said, then departed and is now scheduled to return to Seattle.

That coincides with a major announcement the team is expected to make early next week.

Sounders FC general manager Adrian Hanauer declined to comment and the team would not confirm the report. Rumours of the club's interest in Ljungberg have swirled for several weeks.

Ljungberg most recently played for West Ham United of the English Premier League, where he spent the 2007-08 season. He then reached an agreement with West Ham to terminate his four-year contract after one season.

Before last season, Ljungberg spent nine years with Arsenal, where he scored 46 goals in 216 regular-season appearances. The 5-foot-9, 155-pound native of Vittsjo, Sweden, was voted one of Arsenal's 50 greatest players in franchise history. He's a two-time winner of Sweden's top soccer player of the year award and has been on two of Sweden's World Cup teams.

Injuries have affected his production in recent years, and Ljungberg retired from international competition, which makes him a good fit with Sounders FC because he wouldn't be leaving the team in midseason for Swedish national-team games.

Ljungberg has previously been known for his unique hairstyles and being a model for Calvin Klein.

Ljungberg would join goalkeeper Kasey Keller, midfielder Sanna Nyassi and forward Sebastien Le Toux as the first four players on the Sounders FC roster for the inaugural season, which begins in March 2009.The Major League Soccer expansion draft is Nov. 26, when Sounders FC can choose players unprotected by other MLS clubs.

Source: Seattle Times

"It's Their Strategy"

2008-10-22T00:55:00.003+01:00

His Agent means that clubs don't want you to know that they are interested!

Fredrik Ljungberg's agent, Claes Elefalk, is not surprised about Sportbladet's information. 'It is part of the clubs strategy not to talk about players they have failed to recruit' he says.

Speculation and the rumours have been many. Claes Elefalk from CAA Sports, does not want to comment on individual clubs and the details around them.

Sportbladet asked ' How to you see the Sportbladet's information on the individual clubs?'

"We do not comment on specific clubs", he says. But he said that he was not surprised by the results of Sportbladet's survey.

"The only thing I want to comment on is that it is self-evident that Fredrik as a player has not yet taken decisions on whether he wants to continue to play football or if several clubs have shown an interest or not. It is obvious that clubs that have been in pursuit of Fredrik do not want to say if they are or have been interested in him" says Claes Elefalk.

"Still not decided himself"
However long Fredrik Ljungberg waits on whether he intends to continue to play football or not he becomes a smaller name on the transfer market.

And the former Sweden national team captain has still not decided himself.

"Fredrik has still not decided himself. He trains everyday and keeps himself in shape, but has said himself that he still does not know what he will do" says Claes Elefalk.

Source: Sportsbladet (translated)

Ice Cold in Europe

2008-10-21T23:59:00.005+01:00

"Uninterest in Ljungberg" - the Agent - "It's their Strategy"

During the Autumn, ten clubs have been stated as being after Fredrik Ljungberg's signature.

Sportbladet's survey indicates that big parts of this are not true. Our review shows that in several cases among many of the hottest European clubs there is no concrete interest.

On 6th August West Ham and the former Swedish team captain separated and Fredrik Ljungberg was bought out for SKR 73m. Since the separation, Fredrik Ljungberg has been free and there has been much speculation over his future. At the same time the speculation about his career has been played out in the media.

Speculation has been long and the rumours many. Among the clubs that have been mentioned most often are Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Roma and Monaco. Other clubs mentioned in the Swedish and foreign press are Panathinaikos, Sampdoria, Lazio, Fiorentina, and Blackburn Rovers.

But Sportbladet's survey of the interest from several of the mentioned clubs in Europe reveals that in many cases to be nothing concrete.

"No it's not true"
The only one to float the suggestion of him as a target is Aston Villa manager Martin O'Niell, otherwise the fact is that not one club spokesman or source wanted to express any interest.

"There is nothing to comment on. We are not interested in Fredrik Ljungberg" stated Panathinaikos Sport Director Costas Antoniou to Sportbladet.

Sportbladet asked 'It was written alot in both Swedish and Greek newspapers that you were very interested in Fredrik Ljungberg when he left West Ham. Did you try to sign him?'

"No it's not true!"

A representative from Blackburn Rovers stated that it was all just rumours. "There has never been any truth in it. The rumours went on for some months but we definitely did not follow it up. We are not interested and he will not be playing for Blackburn Rovers."

In the newspaper L'Equipe, journalist Jean Pierre Rivais wrote that clubs had turned down Fredrik Ljungberg at the end of August, but denied any interest in the Swede. According to the clubs interviewed by the paper, they knew he had physical problems and a lot of injuries and they were not interested, says Rivais.

Poor Interest
It is precisely with this in mind that a Monaco source, with insights into the Italian club Roma, states that his propensity for injury has been to his disadvantage. In Rome he is considered 'giocatore finito' - a player that has finished.

Will Fredrik Ljungberg, with a long list of achievements with Sweden and Arsenal, be able to make a comeback if the conditions can be changed?

But presently the interest among the identified clubs in Europe is poor.

Source: Sportbladet (Translated)

Big Picture: Retrospective #8

2008-10-20T21:17:00.002+01:00

Freddie sat during training during the European Championships 'Euro 2008' in Austria June 2008

Big Picture: Retrospective #7

2008-10-15T22:52:00.001+01:00

Freddie hits the deck in a Euro 2008 qualification match against Iceland on 6 June 2007.

Come on Freddie....

2008-10-15T22:42:00.002+01:00

.. join a club and get playing some footy! How long a rest do you need? Can you tell I am starting to get impatient? I have nothing to put on the blog!

Big Picture: Retrospective #6

2008-09-29T02:56:00.002+01:00

Fredrik Ljunberg is tackled by Charlton's Jonathan Fortune during the Barclay's Premiership match between Charlton Athletic and Arsenal at the Valley on 30 September 2006.

Freddie in London

2008-09-29T02:48:00.002+01:00

(Forgot to post this!)

Source: The Spoiler

Freddie goes Middle East?

2008-09-29T02:30:00.004+01:00

Well Freddie's back in London and has reportedly started training again to get his match fitness back (Good Times!)

But there's an article on Sportbladet (link below) which hints that he may look at options in - the Middle East! - namely the UAE or Qatar. His Swedish teammate Christian Wilhemsson has already chosen a similar route and now plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. (Bad Times!!)

Freddie is now a free agent and can sign for any club that is interested and it looks like he aims to comeback to football in the January transfer window. (Good Times!)

Story on Sportbladet. (I don't have the time to translate it)

Big Picture: Retrospective #5

2008-09-17T19:26:00.002+01:00

Freddie speaks to the press on 01 June 2007 ahead of the Euro 2008 Qualifier between Denmark and Sweden.

Freddie in New York #2

2008-09-13T20:54:00.004+01:00

Some more pics....

Freddie in New York

2008-09-13T00:03:00.003+01:00

Freddie is in New York!! He was spotted there this morning accompanied by a couple of tall ladies (presumed to be models!)

See more on Kickette and The Spoiler

Ljungberg's new career - "he intends to invest in furnture"

2008-09-07T16:44:00.006+01:00

According to the Daily Star he is going to put football on the shelf - for furnishings!

The football star has built himself a smart nest in London and done it with some style, states British newspaper the Daily Star.

He has designed his home to a clean, neat standard. "Interior design has become a passion for him", quotes a source from the newspaper.

How he has taken time out after leaving West Ham, Ljungberg 31 is considering an alternative career. Possibly becoming a professional interior designer.

"He has achieved such a lot in his football career but now wants a new challenge. he wants to become an Interior Designer." a source states.

According to the newspapers source, he plans to start up his own company and hopes he will be taken seriously in his new occupation. He can also have his own TV show like Ernst Kirchsteiger¹.

"He wants to try it and see how it goes", a source says.

Source: Aftonbladet (Translated)

¹Ernst Kirchsteiger is a designer and lifestyle guru on SVT (Swedish TV)

Freddie Ljungberg Close Up...

2008-09-03T21:36:00.005+01:00

For a limited time, the Sky One documentary Freddie Ljungberg Close Up... is now available in the Rapidshare Video Directory. The file is split into 8 separate files in WMV format. Enjoy!!

Rapidshare Video Directory: http://rapidshare.com/users/RHNRCH

Ljungberg rejects princely offer

2008-09-02T00:21:00.001+01:00

Freddie Ljungberg’s agent has revealed that the former Arsenal and West Ham player rejected the chance to join Monaco.

The Sweden international was surprisingly released by The Hammers earlier this summer, and his future as a footballer is still unsure.

It has now been revealed that Ljungberg, 31, decided against putting pen-to-paper with Ligue 1 mid-table team Monaco, as he wants to take his time before deciding his fate.

His agent Claes Elefalk has told Expressen that: “He refused it a few hours ago,” speaking about ASM’s offer.

"Fredrik has not decided on the future yet. He was not prepared to take a decision as quickly as that."

The Principality club have just lost attacking midfielder Jeremy Menez to Roma and Ljungberg was an option for Brazilian manager Ricardo.

Source: Setanta Sport

Big Picture: Retrospective #4

2008-08-28T17:44:00.003+01:00

Freddie in the UEFA Champions League Final against Barcelona at the Stade de France, Paris 2006

No move for Ljungberg

2008-08-28T17:36:00.001+01:00

Pompey today ruled out a move for Freddie Ljungberg.

But triallist Thiago Motta remains in the frame for a permanent deal despite rumoured interest from Everton.

Ljungberg had been linked with a Fratton Park switch after having his contract cancelled with West Ham earlier this summer.

Harry Redknapp has been eager to add to his wide options but the former Arsenal star will not be arriving.

Chief executive Peter Storrie has dismissed Pompey's interest and insisted he doesn't feature in their plans.

In the meantime, ex-Barcelona midfielder Motta is continuing his week-long trial on the south coast.

The 25-year-old has already featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Sunderland while Redknapp runs the rule over him.

But Storrie has stressed no final decision had yet been made on whether he will become a permanent capture.

He said: 'Ljungberg will not be coming, definitely not. We have no interest in him. Motta is here at the moment and we are having at look at him.

'He's been having medicals to see how he is and we will take it from there.'

Stephen Appiah has once again been linked with a move to Fratton Park.

The player's agent, Luca Pagani, said the Blues are still interested in the the 27-year-old along with a string of other clubs, with Juventus favourites.

He said: 'I received a concrete offer from Racing Santander and Portsmouth are calling us practically every day.'

Source: Portsmouth News

Portsmouth lining up move for free agent Freddie Ljungberg

2008-08-27T20:04:00.001+01:00

Portsmouth have joined the chase for free agent Freddie Ljungberg, who had his £6million contract paid up by West Ham earlier this month.

The former Arsenal midfielder, 31, has also attracted interest from Aston Villa, Everton, Blackburn and Italian clubs AC Milan and Fiorentina.

Source: Mirror/Goal.com

Rapidshare Video Files

2008-08-25T14:48:00.002+01:00

The original video files for many of the Freddie videos on Youtube and some not on there, are now available on Rapidshare for download.

Go to http://rapidshare.com/users/RHNRCH

More files will be uploaded shortly.

Big Picture: Retrospective #3

2008-08-25T14:41:00.001+01:00

Freddie flies through the air in the Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev on 05 November 2003

Big Picture: Retrospective #2

2008-08-25T14:39:00.002+01:00

Freddie in the early years at Arsenal

Big Picture: Retrospective #1

2008-08-25T14:34:00.003+01:00

Freddie playing for Sweden against England in the World Cup 2002 Korea/Japan on 02 June 2002.

Ljungberg to "take a break", may even retire

2008-08-13T18:46:00.002+01:00

Former West Ham United midfielder Freddie Ljungberg could take an extended break from football or even retire from football, according to reports in his native Sweden.

The 31-year-old has returned to his home country after negotiating his release just one year into a three-year deal with the Irons.

Now, according to Swedish daily newspaper Aftonbladet, sources close to Ljungberg believe it could be a while until supporters see the former national team captain back on a football pitch again.

One source told Aftonbladet: "Fredrik is very happy not having to train and think about any Premier Leagues.

"He wants to be away for some time and travel around the world."

All through his career, Ljungberg has taken interest in many subjects away from sport, modeling for Calvin Klein and spending time admiring fashion and art.

The player's agent Claes Elefalk, also conceded that his client could enjoy some time-off before returning to football – but denied that Ljungberg was about to announce his retirement.

"I speak often with Fredrik and he has not announced any decision to me," said Elefalk.

"Just as he said in the press release last week, so he will consider his football future in the near future."

A host of clubs on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean are believed to be tracking Ljungberg, with Serie A or the MLS among his possible destinations.

But Elefalk claimed the Vittsjo-born player was under no decision to decide on his next playing assignment.

"Since Fredrik is completely without a contract, he can got to a club when he wants in the same way as when Chelsea signed Magnus Hedman," he added.

Hedman, the former Sweden international goalkeeper, joined Chelsea in November 2006 – five months after retiring from football following his release by Glasgow Celtic.

The 58-times capped stopper signed a short-term contract at Stamford Bridge as a free agent but failed to make a first team appearance for the Blues.

Source: Echo/Guardian

Opinion Poll

2008-08-09T20:39:00.001+01:00

A little message of support

2008-08-09T20:15:00.003+01:00

Freddie

Whatever you do, wherever you go - we'll be there with you too!

The Ljungberg Zone

Ljungberg may join Becks at LA Galaxy

2008-08-09T16:36:00.000+01:00

Freddie Ljungberg is considering an offer to join David Beckham at LA Galaxy in a bid to crack America.

Ljungberg, 31, was released with a £4million pay-off as West Ham cut their wage bill.

After talks with Galaxy bosses the former Arsenal ace is considering his options, and would listen to Premier League club offers.

Source: Mirror

Ljungberg courts Italy interest

2008-08-09T16:33:00.001+01:00

Recently-released West Ham midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg's future could lie in Italy, according to the Premier League club.

The Hammers technical director Gianluca Nani has revealed he had fielded a number of calls from Italy for the former Sweden international, who has been linked with Roma.

Ljungberg left the Hammers on Wednesday after only 12 months, despite having one year and an option for another to run on his contract.

Injuries have slowed the former Arsenal star's career in recent seasons and he failed to make much of an impact in 25 appearances with the Hammers last term.

But Nani has hinted that a number of Italian clubs have been in contact, telling Il Romanista: "I have received calls from every part of Italy - Florence, Milan - and to be honest I have no idea where he (Ljungberg) will end up.

"I knew Roma liked him, but I don't know whether this has changed. Ljungberg has a high wage demand and it may be difficult for the Giallorossi to get him."

Source: Sky Sports

Ljungberg considers staying in the Premier League

2008-08-07T16:45:00.000+01:00

Freddie Ljungberg is pondering whether to stay in England after his contract with West Ham was cancelled by mutual consent.

The 31-year-old Swede leaves the Hammers 12 months after moving to Upton Park from Arsenal and has thrashed out undisclosed terms over the termination of his contract, which had one year and an option for another to run.

Ljungberg, who has asked his agent to see what offers could now come his way in England, Italy and Spain, explained: "I gave my all at West Ham and enjoyed my time there, but the decision is the best for the both of us.

"Now I will take my time to consider my football future."

Ljungberg made 25 starts for the Hammers after his £3million move across London last summer but failed to make much impact following a largely golden nine-year spell at Highbury, where he helped the Gunners win two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.

Injuries slowed down his career under Arsene Wenger, and he was on the treatment table after his opening match for West Ham last August.

He finished the season with a cracked rib, threatening his participation in the Euro 2008 finals, but was eventually passed fit for Sweden's campaign.

West Ham have denied the decision to let him go had anything to do with his seemingly unreliable fitness, insisting in a club statement: "He proved himself fit at Euro 2008."

Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury said: 'We respect Freddie Ljungberg's position and are pleased we could reach agreement and wish him all the best in the future.

"This deal is mutually acceptable to both parties."

To West Ham fans, it will look like the first instalment in clearing the decks after the massive spending on new players under former chairman Eggert Magnusson last season.

Although West Ham have since disputed claims manager Alan Curbishley is under pressure to drastically cut the squad and the wage bill this season, their only significant buy this summer has been Switzerland left-back Valon Behrami for £5million from Lazio - following the sale of striker Bobby Zamora and defender John Pantsil to Fulham for a combined £6.3million.

The Hammers have now been linked with a bid for Manchester United's French forward Louis Saha, and Curbishley could find himself short up front after more injury problems for Craig Bellamy and Kieron Dyer.

The pair cost £13.5million between them a year ago but missed most of the season after Bellamy needed groin surgery and Dyer suffered a double fracture of his right leg.

Comeback man Dyer has since been sidelined again for an estimated two more months after a stress fracture, while Bellamy damaged a hamstring against Ipswich in a friendly on Monday night.

Source: Daily Mail

Ljungberg agrees to leave Hammers

2008-08-06T19:02:00.001+01:00

West Ham have released midfielder Freddie Ljungberg after an agreement was reached to terminate his contract.

Former Sweden international Ljungberg, 31, may now decide to retire from football, according to a statement on the club's official website.

He was just a single season into a lucrative four-year deal, having joined the Hammers from Arsenal in July 2007 for a fee approaching £3m.

"This is mutually acceptable," said West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury.

Ljungberg only managed to start 22 of West Ham's 38 Premier League matches last season after enduring injuries that included a cracked rib.

In its statement, the club was keen to stress that the player's fitness was not in question.

"The decision to part company has been taken jointly and has no bearing on Ljungberg's fitness, which he proved during Euro 2008," it read.

"We respect Freddie Ljungberg's position and are pleased we could reach agreement and wish him all the best in the future," added Duxbury.

Ljungberg, who captained Sweden at the European Championship in June before retiring from international football, is also considering offers to play in the United States and Asia.

"I gave my all at West Ham and enjoyed my time there but the decision is the best for the both of us," he said.

"Now I will take my time to consider my football future."

Source: BBCi

£6m...Ljungberg's reward for being a Premier League flop

2008-08-06T00:41:00.002+01:00

Freddie Ljungberg's disastrous spell at Upton Park is over after only 12 months as West Ham agreed to pay a staggering £6million to get him off their spiralling wage billl.

As the full extent of Ljungberg's incredible salary details emerged - he is paid £85,000 a week and had an option for another year if he made just 15 appearances this season - West Ham are still suffering from the aftershock of one of the most expensive mistakes in British football history.

In total, he cost them approximately £13m, taking into account transfer fee, wages and his pay-off - working out at over £500,000 per game, following 25 appearances for the club last season in which he made little impact.

West Ham have yet to announce Ljungberg's departure, but the deal has been agreed and he has been told he is now effectively a free agent. Ljungberg, 31, believes he can still play at the top in England, Italy or Spain and has asked his agent to find him a new club.

The Sweden midfielder was due to earn £8.84m over the next two years at West Ham and initially informed Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury that he had no intention of reaching a settlement.

Despite being told by manager Alan Curbishley that he would not be playing for the first team this season, the injury-prone midfielder told the club he would sit tight and see out the remaining two years on his mega-bucks deal. He has not been part of the pre-season programme and is understood to be back home in Sweden 'weighing up a number of options'.

It is an incredible fall from grace for Ljungberg. He was a member of Arsenal's 'Invincibles' who won the Premier League in 2004 without losing a game and was recently voted the Gunners' 11th best player of all time.

The Hammers signed him from their London rivals for £3m last summer, but he showed no signs of his Arsenal form and his season ended early when he broke a rib in a collision with Newcastle defender Steven Taylor.

Although Ljungberg recovered to play for Sweden at Euro 2008, he announced his retirement from international football after the tournament in order to prolong his career in the Premier League.

Source: Daily Mail

I'm Back

2008-08-03T14:26:00.004+01:00

Well I'm back!!

Thanks to everyone for all the good wishes and messages you sent me. I am 80-90% back on my feet and have managed to put together some posts of stories and pictures that I have missed while I was away.

The start of the Premiership season is only a few weeks away but I am not geared up for it yet. I will try to keep this place up to date but bear with me while I try and catch up with what's going on!!

Paul xx

Olympiakos chase Ljungberg

2008-08-03T14:13:00.005+01:00

TRANSFER TALK
Olympiakos, who have shown an interest in Fredrik Ljungberg before, now lies again high up on their wish list.

The newspaper sportday reports that West Ham's Ljungberg is being chased by the Greek club and that the President, Socrates Kokkalis, want to have the Swede.

He had said the day will come when they will get him here, says Sotiris milios on Sportday.

The club need another midfield player and their first choice was Liverpool's 22 year old Sebastian Leto, but Leto has said he will stay in England.

Fredrik Ljungberg's agent Claes Elefalk has said he has had no offers for Ljungberg and does not believe that a relocation to Greece in in the interests of the Swedish star.

"He is one of England's highest paid players and I do not feel that thay can afford him either", says Elefalk according to Sportbladet.se

Source: Sportal Sweden (Translated)

Lazio turn to West Ham's Ljungberg

2008-07-30T00:12:00.001+01:00

TRANSFER TALK
Lazio are chasing West Ham United midfielder Freddie Ljungberg.

La Repubblica says Lazio are keen to boost their midfield and have the Swede on their shopping list.

Back Soon

2008-07-12T14:53:00.001+01:00

I've had to have an operation and so won't be updating the blogs for maybe a week or so as I recover. X

Freddie on holiday in Portofino, Italy

2008-06-30T20:35:00.002+01:00

More photos available on the MSN Sweden website

Spain are European Champions

2008-06-29T22:37:00.002+01:00

Spain have won the 2008 European Championship in Austria/Switzerland. They beat Germany 1 - 0! Shame Sweden didn't get past the group stage but so long as Germany didn't win - I'm happy!! Spain played the much better football and thoroughly deserve it!

Ljungberg announces retirement

2008-06-28T07:59:00.001+01:00

Sweden captain Fredrik Ljungberg has announced his retirement from international football.

Ljungberg has opted to hang up his boots for Sweden, but will continue to play at club level with West Ham.

Sweden failed to progress beyond the group stages at Euro 2008 and the 31-year-old midfielder has now decided the time is right to bring to an end almost 11 years at international level.

"The simple fact is that the physical strain of doubling on the national team and in club football for such a long time has finally taken its toll," Ljungberg said in a letter on the web site of Swedish paper Helsingborg Dagbladet.

Focus
"And that is why I have decided to concentrate on playing for West Ham United and that is where my focus will be.

"I can honestly say that I have loved every match, especially the undying support that you the fans have always given us players.

"I will carry on playing soccer at the highest level in the Premier League for several more years and I love this sport more than anything."

Ljungberg made his debut for Sweden against USA in January 1998 and went on to make 71 appearances and scored 14 goals.

Source: Sky Sports

Match Report: Russia 2 - 0 Sweden

2008-06-19T01:08:00.006+01:00

Russia 2 - 0 Sweden
Euro 2008 - Group D

Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Ignashevich, Kolodin , Zhirkov, Semak , Zyryanov, Semshov, Bilyaletdinov (Saenko 66), Arshavin , Pavluchenko (Bystrov 90).
Subs Not Used: Gabulov, Malafeev, Vasili Berezutsky, Yanbaev, Alexei Berezutsky, Adamov, Torbinsky, Shirokov, Sychev, Ivanov.

Booked: Semak, Arshavin, Kolodin.
Goals: Pavluchenko 24, Arshavin 50.

Sweden: Isaksson , Stoor, Mellberg, Hansson, Nilsson (Allback 79), Elmander , Andersson (Kallstrom 55), Svensson, Ljungberg, Henrik Larsson, Ibrahimovic.
Subs Not Used: Shaaban, Wiland, Linderoth, Alexandersson, Majstorovic, Granqvist, Sebastian Larsson, Wilhelmsson, Rosenberg, Dorsin.

Booked: Isaksson, Elmander.

Attendance: 30,000

Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (BEL)

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Group Table

	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS

1	SPAIN	3	3	0	0	5	9
2	RUSSIA	3	2	0	1	0	6
3	SWEDEN	3	1	0	2	-1	3
4	GREECE	3	0	0	3	-4	0
Table standings correct as of 19 June 2008

Ljungberg hits out at referee

2008-06-17T00:18:00.002+01:00

Freddie Ljungberg has hit out at Dutch referee Pieter Vink after his Sweden team were beaten by Spain in their second Group D match at Euro 2008.

The West Ham midfielder and national team captain claimed Vink was influenced by the Spaniards' half-time protests at the official's failure to award them a first half penalty.

The players and manager Luis Aragones surrounded the referee after he failed to award a penalty for Johan Elmander's challenge on David Villa.

Valencia striker Villa scored Spain's winner in the second minute of stoppage-time, leaving Ljungberg and his team-mates needing to draw with Russia in their final group game to reach the quarter-finals.

"I am sure he was influenced by the protests," said the 31-year-old.

"He blew for fouls all the time with they were not fouls so we did not receive any favours in the second half."

Ljungberg had earlier seen striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic equaliser Fernando Torres's opener.

Inter star Ibrahimovic, who also scored in Sweden's opening 2-0 win over Greece, was withdrawn at half-time with a knee injury but both he and Ljungberg, who came into the tournament recovering from a broken rib, should be fit to face the Russians.

And manager Lars Lagerback is confident of making the last-eight, where Sweden would take on the in-form Netherlands.

"In the midst of this desolation, we realise it is still in our own hands," said the boss.

"We're going to re-charge our batteries and get ready for another fantastic game.

"I think we have a realistic chance of qualifying. There's enough character in the team and this squad."

Source: Guardian

Match Report: Sweden 1 - 2 Spain

2008-06-14T22:35:00.006+01:00

Sweden 1 - 2 Spain
Euro 2008 - Group D

Sweden: Isaksson, Stoor, Mellberg, Hansson, Nilsson, Elmander (Sebastian Larsson 79), Andersson, Svensson , Ljungberg, Henrik Larsson (Kallstrom 87), Ibrahimovic (Rosenberg 46).
Subs Not Used: Shaaban, Wiland, Linderoth, Alexandersson, Majstorovic, Granqvist, Allback, Wilhelmsson, Dorsin.

Booked: Svensson.
Goals: Ibrahimovic 34.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena , Puyol (Albiol 24), Capdevila, Iniesta (Santi Cazorla 59), Senna, Xavi (Fabregas 58), Silva, Villa, Torres.
Subs Not Used: Palop, Reina, Fernando Navarro, Alonso, Sergio Garcia, Guiza, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red.

Booked: Marchena.
Goals: Torres 15, Villa 90.

Attendance: 30,000

Referee: Pieter Vink (NED)

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Group D Table

	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS

1	SPAIN	2	2	0	0	4	6
2	SWEDEN	2	1	0	1	1	3
3	RUSSIA	2	1	0	1	-2	3
4	GREECE	2	0	0	2	-3	0
Table standings correct as of 14 June 2008

Ljungberg: We'll hit Spain quickly

2008-06-14T09:43:00.001+01:00

Sweden midfielder Freddie Ljungberg said on Friday that his team would be looking to keep things tight and punish Spain on the counter-attack in the pair's Group D clash here on Saturday.

Sweden got off to a great start in the tournament, beating holders Greece just three days ago, but Spain looked excellent in their 4-1 thrashing of Russia and have been one of the most impressive sides so far.

And Ljungberg admitted that Sweden would not be going gung-ho in trying to beat their Iberian opponents.

"It's a big challenge of course, I'm used to playing with Arsenal so I know how Spain play," said the West Ham United player. "For us the important thing is when we get the ball we have to be patient, use our pace, technique and passing ability to counter against them.

"In general Spainish teams are better going forward than defending, they enjoy it more when they go forward. We need to (counter) very well, not concede and then attack when we get the ball."

Torres the threat
Ljungberg singled out Fernando Torres as Spain's player to watch and praised the Liverpool man for his fine first season in English football, in which he scored 33 goals.

Asked why Torres had been so successful he replied: "Torres is a brilliant player. When he came to Liverpool he was playing with more world class players, no disrespect to Atletico (Madrid) but they (Liverpool) went far in the Champions League.

" It's his first season in England and normally it takes some time to adapt to the more physical game but he's done really well and I have to applaud him for that."

As for his former Arsenal team-mate Cesc Fabregas, though, Ljungberg said he wasn't too surprised the midfielder was being kept out of the team.

Barcelona's Xavi occupies the playmaker role in the centre of the park and Spain coach Luis Aragones feels there is only enough room for the one of them. Even so, when he wanted to shore up the midfield against Russia, he removed Torres and put Fabregas on in his place, with the 21-year-old scoring his first goal for his country late on.

"We will wait and see if Cesc plays. He's a great player but there are a lot in Spain and I'm not the guy to judge who should play and shouldn't," said Ljungberg. "They left Raul at home and he's quite good too. They played really well when he (Cesc) wasn't on the pitch and when he was they played really well too. I think he's a great player."

Source: FIFA

Big Picture

2008-06-14T09:38:00.001+01:00

Freddie does some more training

Match Report: Greece 0 - 2 Sweden

2008-06-10T23:21:00.007+01:00

Greece 0 - 2 Sweden
Euro 2008 - Group D

Greece: Nikopolidis, Seitaridis , Kyrgiakos, Antzas, Dellas (Amanatidis 70), Torosidis , Charisteas , Basinas, Katsouranis, Karagounis, Gekas (Samaras 46).
Subs Not Used: Chalkias, Goumas, Vyntra, Spyropoulos, Patsatzoglou, Giannakopoulos, Tziolis, Salpigidis, Liberopoulos, Tzorvas.

Booked: Charisteas, Seitaridis, Torosidis.

Sweden: Isaksson, Alexandersson (Stoor 74), Mellberg, Hansson, Nilsson, Wilhelmsson (Rosenberg 78), Svensson, Ljungberg, Andersson, Ibrahimovic (Elmander 71), Henrik Larsson.
Subs Not Used: Shaaban, Dorsin, Majstorovic, Granqvist, Kallstrom, Sebastian Larsson, Linderoth, Allback, Wiland.

Goals: Ibrahimovic 67, Hansson 73.

Attendance: 30,000

Referee: Massimo Busacca (SUI)

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Group D Table

	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS

1	SPAIN	1	1	0	0	3	3
2	SWEDEN	1	1	0	0	2	3
3	GREECE	1	0	0	1	-2	0
4	RUSSIA	1	0	0	1	-3	0
Table standings correct as of 10 June 2008

Big Picture

2008-06-09T18:50:00.004+01:00

Freddie in training.

Only one day to go to Sweden's first game against Greece!!!!

Big Picture

2008-06-07T00:53:00.002+01:00

Freddie in training

Ljungberg is back to '100 percent'

2008-06-05T02:38:00.001+01:00

Sweden's team doctors can scratch Fredrik Ljungberg's name off the injury list.

The team captain said he has now completely recovered from a cracked rib that had threatened to keep him out of the European Championship.

"I can assure that I'm 100 percent healthy now and go at full speed," the West Ham winger said Wednesday after Sweden's first training session in the Swiss Alps.

Questions lingered about Ljungberg's fitness after he played only one half Sunday in Sweden's last warm-up match, a 1-0 loss to Ukraine. But Ljungberg said that was just a precaution to avoid getting injured again.

"I tried it now against Ukraine, 45 minutes mostly just to feel if I could run properly and get 45 minutes in my legs. I could have gone much further than that," Ljungberg said. "Everyone who knows me knows that when things get serious I go full throttle."

That's one less player to worry about for coach Lars Lagerback, who has one week to get a string of key players back to full health before Sweden's opener against defending champion Greece on Tuesday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Markus Rosenberg have been slowed by knee injuries and a third striker, Johan Elmander, limped off Sunday's match against Ukraine with a sore right foot.

Elmander sat out Sweden's rain-soaked training session Wednesday, but Lagerback said he was expected to be back in practice on Thursday or Friday.

"It's not anything serious," Lagerback said.

Hundreds of Swedish fans welcomed the players as they stepped off a leased jet in Lugano, a lakeside city of about 50,000 residents in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland.

The Swedes will have daily training sessions at the 15,000-capacity Cornaredo football stadium, home to Swiss second-division club AC Lugano.

Apart from Greece, they face Russia and Spain in Group D.

"Spain is always a favorite when you go into a tournament. But often they don't go to the final (which) maybe you expect before the tournament starts," Ljungberg said. "It's a tough group but if we play to the level I think we can play I think we will qualify from the group."

Source: CNN/AP

Ljungberg denies Wenger attack

2008-06-04T21:13:00.002+01:00

Freddie Ljungberg has insisted he enjoyed an excellent relationship with Arsene Wenger and has denied leaving Arsenal on bad terms.

Ljungberg was quoted on Wednesday as saying that he was unhappy with certain aspects of his time at Arsenal and joined West Ham to prove to his former employers that he still had a lot to offer.

However, the Swedish midfielder has now rubbished the story and stressed that he never had any problems with Wenger.

A statement read: "Freddie Ljungberg wishes to make it clear that he absolutely refutes suggestions made by Russian Daily Sport paper Den Za Dnem that he enjoyed anything but an excellent relationship with Arsene Wenger during his time at Arsenal.

"His move to West Ham was inspired by the vision for the club and the strong interest from Alan Curbishley.

Falsehood
"The suggestion that Freddie left Arsenal in order to stay in the Premiership and play against them is not only utter rubbish but is a complete falsehood."

Ljungberg also emphasised his good relationship with the Gunners, adding: "I get on very well with everyone from Arsenal and enjoyed my visit to the Emirates Stadium recently when Sweden played Brazil and I saw a lot of old friends.

"I haven't done an interview with this Russian newspaper and none of the quotes have any substance, I certainly didn't make those comments."

Ljungberg is currently gearing up for Euro 2008 and will be fit to face Greece next Tuesday after recovering fully from his rib injury.

Source: Sky Sports

Match Report: Sweden 0 - 1 Ukraine

2008-06-02T18:14:00.004+01:00

Sweden 0 - 1 Ukraine
International Friendly

Sweden: Isaksson (Shaaban 46), Alexandersson (Stoor 72), Mellberg, Hansson, Nilsson, Linderoth (Svensson 56), Sebastian Larsson (Ljungberg 46), Källström, Wilhelmsson, Ibrahimovic (Elmander 56) (Allbäck 76), Larsson.
Subs not used: Wiland, Majstorovic, Granqvist, Andersson, Bakircioglü, Dorsin.

Ukraine: Pjatov, Jarmasj, Kucher, Rusol (Mandzjuk 46), Sjevtjuk, Gay, Kravtjenko, Levtjenko (Sjigrinskij 46), Nazarenko, Selenznev, Gomenjuk (Gladkij 66).
Subs not used: Kernozenko, Chudzhamov, Nesmatjnij, Jezerskij, Golaido.

Goals: Nazarenko 82

Attendance: 25,203

Referee: Thomas Einwaller (AUT)

"Ljungberg should start" claim Sweden team-mates

2008-05-28T14:26:00.002+01:00

Sweden captain Freddie Ljungberg should start at Euro 2008, according to the two players fighting for his place.

Birmingham City midfielder Sebastian Larsson and Deportivo la Coruna winger Christian "Chippen" Wilhelmsson have both thrown their backing behind Ljungberg after the Swedish press questioned the West Ham player's status in Lars Lagerback's team.

Reporters quizzed Lagerback over whether Ljungberg, who missed Sweden's friendly win over Slovenia on Monday as he continued his recovery from a broken rib, had been picked on reputation rather than form.

The coach responded angrily, dismissing the journalist's questions as "ridiculous and rude".

Now Larsson and Wilhelmsson, who both started Monday's 1-0 victory in Gothenburg, have told Swedish newspaper Expressen that Ljungberg is more than worthy of his place in Lagerback's midfield.

"When Ljungan' is healthy he should be pretty stable in the team. One should be allowed to say that," 22-year-old Larson, who has three caps, said.

Wilhelmsson admitted that, should Ljungberg be fit, he is likely to face a straight battle with Larsson for the right midfield berth in Sweden's opening Group D match against holders Greece in Salzburg on June 10.

But the pacey 28-year-old claimed he had not given up hope of dislodging captain Ljungberg one day.

"I am still focused on the right side of the midfield. That is where I have played the most in the national team when "Ljungan" has been fit," said Wilhelmsson, who starred for Sweden at Euro 2004 and featured in all four of his country's matches at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

"When he has been unable to play I have been on the left side.

"Nobody is given in the team ofcourse. Nobody should be. You shouldn't come in and feel you are a given in the team, but everyone should fight for their place.

"But he (Ljungberg) is a fantastic footballer."

Source: Guardian

Freddie in training

2008-05-25T17:51:00.002+01:00

Enjoying a game of Golf!!

Stretch that hamstring!!

Ljungberg to miss friendly match against Slovenia

2008-05-23T19:46:00.003+01:00

Sweden captain Fredrik Ljungberg will sit out next week's friendly match against Slovenia to avoid jeopardizing his recovery from a cracked rib ahead of the European Championship.

"There's a risk that I take a hit and that the injury comes back, and then the European Championship is over," Ljungberg was quoted as saying in an interview with the Dagens Nyheter newspaper on Thursday.

The West Ham player cracked a rib in a Premier League match against Sunderland three weeks ago.

Sweden plays Slovenia on Monday in a warm-up game ahead of Euro 2008 in June. Ljungberg said he expects to be fit for Sweden's next friendly against Ukraine on June 1.

"I count on playing then. It's always a balancing act. But I went for a pretty long run on Tuesday and it felt OK," he said.

Sweden faces Greece, Spain and Russia in Group D.

Source: Fox Sports

Ljungberg to wear protective "shinguard"

2008-05-21T23:46:00.001+01:00

Freddie Ljungberg could wear a special protective "shinguard" over his injured ribs during Euro 2008.

The Sweden captain's fifth right rib was broken when Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor accidentally landed on him during West Ham's Premier League clash with the Magpies on April 26.

Source: Eurosport

Euro 2008 Sweden Fixtures

2008-05-17T22:59:00.004+01:00

10 June 2008
GREECE v SWEDEN
EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim - Salzburg
Kick Off: 20:45 CET

14 June 2008
SWEDEN v SPAIN
Tivoli Neu - Innsbruck
Kick Off: 18:00 CET

18 June 2008
RUSSIA v SWEDEN
Tivoli Neu - Innsbruck
Kick Off: 20:45 CET

Euro 2008: Only 20 Days to go !!!!

Ljungberg boosts club and country

2008-05-17T22:48:00.001+01:00

Freddie Ljungberg is confident he can justify his place in Sweden’s 23-man squad for Euro 2008 by fighting his way back to full fitness in time for the start of the tournament on June 7.

Ljungberg has endured a truncated debut season for West Ham, the latest blow coming when he suffered a broken rib in last month’s game against Newcastle.

The injury ruled out the former Arsenal midfielder for the remainder of the domestic campaign, but he now has his sights firmly set on resuming international duty as soon as possible.

"The pain has been quite extreme," he told The Hammers’ official website. "It's been difficult taking deep breaths and it hurts even when I just turn my body. I have been on painkillers however, and I'm getting better and better.

"I have slowly started to try to jog and have even cycled a little. The healing process so far has been all according to the prognosis by our medical staff which is encouraging. I am very much looking forward to being fit for the tournament."

Sweden have been drawn in Group D alongside Russia, Greece and Spain, and although Ljungberg is keen to adopt the old adage of taking one game at a time, he sees no reason why he and his countrymen should not aim for the stars.

"First our goal is to advance from the group,” he added. “That itself will be a challenge and then if we succeed we can set new goals.

“That will all depend on how the draw works out. But I don't think it is unrealistic to say we have a chance of winning the whole tournament. Greece showed in 2004 that anything can happen."

Source: Setanta Sports

FA Premiership Table

2008-05-14T22:51:00.001+01:00

Final Standings
Premiership Champions 2007-2008 - Manchester United

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Manchester United	38	27	6	5	58	87
2	Chelsea	38	25	10	3	39	85
3	Arsenal	38	24	11	3	43	83
4	Liverpool	38	21	13	4	39	76
5	Everton	38	19	8	11	22	65
6	Aston Villa	38	16	12	10	20	60
7	Blackburn Rovers	38	15	13	10	2	58
8	Portsmouth	38	16	9	13	8	57
9	Manchester City	38	15	10	13	-8	55
10	West Ham United	38	13	10	15	-8	49
11	Tottenham Hotspur	38	11	13	14	5	46
12	Newcastle United	38	11	10	17	-20	43
13	Middlesbrough	38	10	12	16	-10	42
14	Wigan Athletic	38	10	10	18	-17	40
15	Sunderland	38	11	6	21	-23	39
16	Bolton Wanderers	38	9	10	19	-18	37
17	Fulham	38	8	12	18	-22	36
18	Reading	38	10	6	22	-25	36
19	Birmingham City	38	8	11	19	-16	35
20	Derby County	38	1	8	29	-69	11
Table standings correct as of 14 May 2008

Euro 2008 - Sweden Squad

2008-05-14T22:04:00.002+01:00

Swedish coach Lars Lagerback has named his provisional squad for the Euro 2008 championships in Austria/Switzerland. Ibrahimovich and Ljungberg have been named along with the suprise return of Henrik Larsson!!!

Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Andreas Isaksson (Manchester City), Rami Shaaban (Hammarby), Johan Wiland (Elfsborg);

Defenders: Mikael Nilsson (Panathinaikos), Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa), Petter Hansson (Stade Rennais), Fredrik Stoor (Rosenborg), Daniel Majstorovic (Basel), Andreas Granqvist (Wigan Athletic), Mikael Dorsin (CFR Cluj);

Midfielders: Niclas Alexandersson (IFK Goteborg), Daniel Andersson (Malmo FF), Kim Kallstrom (Olympique Lyonnais), Tobias Linderoth (Galatasaray), Fredrik Ljungberg (West Ham), Anders Svensson (Elfsborg), Christian Wilhelmsson (Deportivo de la Coruna), Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham City).

Forwards: Marcus Allback (FC Copenhagen), Johan Elmander (Toulouse), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan), Henrik Larsson (Helsingborg), Markus Rosenberg (Werder Bremen).

Ljungberg rumours rejected

2008-05-10T13:19:00.000+01:00

Freddie Ljungberg's agent has rejected reports suggesting West Ham were planning to pay-off the player to let him to leave the club.

Reports earlier this week claimed West Ham were ready to cut their losses on Ljungberg by paying him up the remainder of his three-year contract as they look to trim their wage bill.

Ljungberg, who joined West Ham from Arsenal last summer, has seen his progress at the club hampered by a series of injuries this season.

The 31-year-old, who is currently recovering from a broken rib injury, has made 25 league appearances for West Ham this season - scoring two goals.

Ljunberg's agent Claes Elefalk has rejected the rumours and says he is committed to West Ham.

"This story is complete nonsense, there is no truth in it," Elefalk told skysports.com.

"Freddie is not thinking of leaving West Ham.

"Scott Duxbury [West Ham chief executive] called myself yesterday and said he was sorry such nonsense appeared in the paper.

"Contrary to what has been said Freddie is enjoying his football as much as he has ever done.

"He feels at home at Upton Park, with the team and with the fans.

"Freddie is already thinking of next season and helping to bring West Ham to Europe."

Source: Sky Sports

Desktop Wallpaper

2008-05-08T20:57:00.002+01:00

Fingers are crossed for Euro 2008!!

West Ham offer Fredrik Ljungberg £3m to tear up contract

2008-05-08T18:24:00.002+01:00

Club want to make economies by cutting ties with Sweden midfield player who has three years left on his contract at £75,000 a week

West Ham United have offered Fredrik Ljungberg £3million to leave Upton Park after one season. The Barclays Premier League club decided to rein in their transfer spending earlier in the season and are keen to reduce their wage bill. The Sweden midfield player has three years remaining on the four-year contract he signed when he joined the club from Arsenal last summer. The compensation package is less than his salary of about £3.9million a year - £75,000 a week.

Ljungberg, 31, has made 25 league appearances this season but has not been able to recapture the goalscoring knack he had several seasons ago. The loss of some of his pace, the lack of a creative midfield player and West Ham's regimented style have contributed to him scoring only twice this season. He suffered a cracked rib in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United two weeks ago.

West Ham could make similar compensation offers to Lucas Neill and Luís Boa Morte, the forward, who are among the higher-earning players. The club have been looking for a new right back to replace Neill, the Australia player who earns about £65,000 a week and has a year left on his contract. West Ham released Roy Carroll, the goalkeeper, in similar fashion last summer.

The offer of payoffs to players is not unusual, but it is extraordinary after only one year. Players are not obliged to accept the proposal, but if they do so they can move as a free agent to another club. Winston Bogarde sat out his four-year contract at Chelsea, where he earned £40,000 a week, and refused to accept compensation to leave. The former Holland defender made 12 appearances, only four of them starts, effectively earning £693,000 per appearance. He spent much of his time training with the youth team.

Source: The Times

Desktop Wallpaper

2008-04-28T20:39:00.001+01:00

Get rid of those Freddie injury blues! Put a bit of Freddie on your desktop!

Ljungberg injury puts Euros in doubt

2008-04-26T20:07:00.002+01:00

West Ham midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is a doubt for the Euro 2008 finals after suffering a cracked rib in his side's 2-2 draw with Newcastle.

The Sweden international was stretchered off at Upton Park in a first-half clash with Steven Taylor and manager Alan Curbishley revealed the player had been injured.

The former Arsenal man therefore becomes the latest player to join West Ham's lengthy absentee list.

Curbishley said: "I think Taylor has tried to leapfrog him and landed on him. He has been raked all down the side and front of his face and cracked a rib.

"That's another one out for us but we are hoping he will be okay for the Euros."

Source: Sporting Life

Match Report: West Ham 2 - 2 Newcastle Utd

2008-04-26T19:51:00.006+01:00

West Ham United 2 - 2 Newcastle United
Barclays Premiership

West Ham: Green, Pantsil , Tomkins, Neill, McCartney, Faubert (Solano 90), Parker, Noble, Ljungberg (Boa Morte 21), Zamora (Cole 68), Ashton.
Subs Not Used: Walker, Mullins.

Booked: Faubert, Pantsil.
Goals: Noble 10, Ashton 23.

Newcastle: Harper, Beye , Edgar (Diatta 90), Taylor, Jose Enrique, Geremi, Butt , Barton, Owen, Viduka (Smith 82), Martins .
Subs Not Used: Forster, Duff, Carroll.

Booked: Beye, Butt, Martins.
Goals: Martins 42, Geremi 45.

Attendance: 34,980

Referee: Uriah Rennie

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Big Picture: UHQ Birthday Edition

2008-04-23T01:12:00.007+01:00

As a belated present to celebrate Freddie's recent birthday here's some BIG ultra high-resolution pictures from his days at Arsenal and one at West Ham, for a limited time only!!

Download them, print them, desktop them to your hearts content!!

WARNING: This post is not dial-up friendly

FA Premiership Table

2008-04-21T17:44:00.000+01:00

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Manchester United	35	25	6	4	54	84
2	Chelsea	35	23	9	3	36	78
3	Arsenal	35	21	11	3	37	74
4	Liverpool	35	19	12	4	36	69
5	Everton	35	18	7	10	21	61
6	Aston Villa	35	16	10	9	22	58
7	Portsmouth	35	16	9	10	12	57
8	Manchester City	35	15	10	10	1	55
9	Blackburn Rovers	35	13	13	9	2	52
10	West Ham United	35	13	8	14	-5	47
11	Tottenham Hotspur	35	10	12	13	6	42
12	Newcastle United	35	11	9	15	-16	42
13	Wigan Athletic	35	9	9	17	-17	36
14	Middlesbrough	35	8	12	15	-18	36
15	Sunderland	35	10	6	19	-21	36
16	Bolton Wanderers	35	8	8	19	-20	32
17	Reading	35	9	5	21	-28	32
18	Birmingham City	35	7	10	18	-17	31
19	Fulham	35	5	12	18	-26	27
20	Derby County	35	1	8	26	-59	11
Table standings correct as of 21 April 2008

Hammers rule out Ljungberg exit

2008-04-21T16:57:00.001+01:00

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury has dismissed reports that Freddie Ljungberg will be ushered out of Upton Park in the summer.

The Swede has often struggled to impose himself since moving from Arsenal, with injury preventing him from staking a regular starting berth under Alan Curbishley.

A summer clear-out could be on the cards if Curbishley wishes to take The Hammers to the next level, but Duxbury is adamant that Ljungberg will not be one of those to be shown the door.

"Rumours that Freddie is leaving are nonsense," he told the Echo. "Freddie, with his international experience, is an important player for West Ham in reaching our goal, to play in Europe.

"His pedigree stands for itself. He is an important part of this club’s future. I mean, he's playing the Euros this summer for Sweden and is going to be one of the tournament's big stars. He still has his best years ahead of him."

While Ljungberg looks likely to be spared the axe, Duxbury did confirm that a number of players would be forced to move on in order to make space for new arrivals.

"Our squad is too big, but we only plan to sell players that are not close of getting into the team," added Duxbury.

"We have a very young talented team and experienced star players like Freddie, Craig Bellamy and Lucas Neill, are very important in helping those talents develop."

Source: Setanta Sport

Pepsi Youniverse Advert

2008-04-20T21:46:00.007+01:00

Scoured the net for this for ages but finally found it. The new Pepsi ad featuring Freddie instead of Cesc Fabregas!!

Wallpaper

The original video is now on Beckham blog!

Match Report: West Ham 2 - 1 Derby

2008-04-19T19:04:00.003+01:00

West Ham United 2 - 1 Derby County
Barclays Premiership

West Ham: Green, Pantsil, Tomkins, Neill, McCartney, Faubert (Solano 78), Noble , Parker , Ljungberg (Boa Morte 90), Sears (Cole 74), Zamora.
Subs Not Used: Walker, Mullins.

Booked: Noble, Parker.
Goals: Zamora 20, Cole 77.

Derby: Carroll, Todd (McEveley 83), Leacock, Stubbs, Lewis, Mears, Ghaly, Savage, Jones (Villa 75), Sterjovski, Miller.
Subs Not Used: Price, Feilhaber, Moore.

Goals: Mears 65.

Attendance: 34,612

Referee: Steve Tanner

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Ljungberg set to depart as Curbs is told to cut wage bill

2008-04-17T19:54:00.002+01:00

Alan Curbishley has been told to cut the West Ham wage bill this summer - which puts high-earners Freddie Ljungberg, Kieron Dyer and Lucas Neill in line for an Upton Park departure.

Billionaire business tycoon Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is determined to reign in the club's massive spending since heading an £85million Icelandic takeover of the club 15 months ago.

Gudmundsson is determined to balance the books and get some of the club's biggest earners off their wage bill to put West Ham in better financial shape.

Curbs will be told to shake-up the squad, reports the Daily Mirror, and that will leave £80,000- a-week-plus men Ljungberg, Neill and Dyer at risk.

Former Arsenal midfielder Ljungberg has struggled with injuries, Neill is on £90,000-a-week and Dyer is currently recovering from a broken leg but they were all signed on huge contracts by exchairman Eggert Magnusson.

Gudmundsson wants to reduce the wage bill as well as trimming the squad. That could mean West Ham may be ready to sell some of their other top players, with several clubs looking at keeper Robert Green and striker Dean Ashton.

Gudmundsson is now taking a more realistic financial outlook, especially as West Ham have failed to qualify for Europe.

Ironically, Curbishley's own position could be strengthened because Gudmundsson wants to steady the ship rather than carry on spending big and possibly bringing in an expensive new manager.

Croatia boss Slaven Bilic, a West Ham hero, is regarded highly at Upton Park but Curbs has already been given a vote of confidence and if he can keep on the right side of Gudmundsson then his position will be more secure.

Source: Daily Mail

Happy Birthday Freddie!!

2008-04-16T23:57:00.001+01:00

Grattis på födelsedagen Freddie!!

Hope you had a great day!! ;o)

Ljungberg's injury relief

2008-04-15T22:30:00.002+01:00

West Ham have been handed a boost with the news that Freddie Ljungberg is close to a return to action.

The Swede has been missing since suffering a hamstring problem in the 2-1 defeat to Sunderland last month.

It was feared that the injury could sideline Ljungberg for the rest of the season and even force him to miss this summer's Euro 2008 finals.

However, Ljungberg is close to full fitness and could feature against Derby this weekend.

The former Arsenal man admitted the Hammers' medical team found it difficult to get to the bottom of the injury.

"The injury was a little weird, especially since it was quite painful," Ljungberg told The Times.

"It was quite hard for the medical team to diagnose, but I've been told it was an inflamed nerve. Luckily, the hamstring is not injured, which is great.

"The extra work I put in this winter, in the gym, is the reason I am in good shape. Despite being in some pain due to a nerve-root inflammation, the hamstring itself is fine and there is no sign of a pull or strain."

Source: Sky Sports