Former Arsenal Invincible Fredrik Ljungberg Retires

Saturday, 25th August, 2012

Former Arsenal midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg has called time on his career at the age of 35.

The ex-Sweden captain’s press officer, Lili Assefa, confirmed that the player has retired from football. He had played his last game for Japanese side Shimizu S-Pulse in February this year.

"It’s correct that Fredrik has taken the decision to quit. I got the decision on Wednesday”, said Assefa while talking to SVT.

The Swede started his career with Halmstads in 1994 and enjoyed four years at the club before Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger came calling for him in 1998. The player enjoyed a successful spell at the North London side, making 216 appearances in the Premier League during his nine-year stay.

Ljungberg was an integral part of the Invincibles team that went undefeated in the 2003/04 season on their way to the Premier League title.

The 35-year-old then moved to West Ham United in 2007 and after a season at the club, signed for MLS outfit Seattle Sounders.

After staying on for a season at Seattle, he joined Chicago Fire in 2010 before trying his luck at Celtic in 2011. Ljungberg ended his career with Japanese side Shimizu S-Pulse.

The Swede made 75 appearances for his country and captained the side from 2006 onwards until his retirement from international football after Euro 2008.