Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg has opened up on why he left the club as a coach and what he plans on doing in football next.
The Swede decided to end his role as Arsenal assistant coach in August to "pursue new opportunities" and progress his "management experience".
Ljungberg, 43, had a spell in interim charge following the departure of Unai Emery in November 2019 and stayed on the coaching staff when Mikel Arteta became manager a month later.
The winger, who also coached the Arsenal's under-15s and under-23s, made 326 appearances for the club and was part of the Premier League-winning Invincibles side of 2003/04.
Now on Sky Sports he has explained why he chose to move on and what happens next.
"Everyone knows how much I love that club, a lot of very good relationships and it would’ve been easy for me to just stay there," he said.
"But I felt I’m ready to manage myself, and to be able to do that, I feel like I had to leave to stand on my own two feet.
"It wasn’t an easy decision, but I think it’s the right thing to do for my career.“
He added: "I want to be a manager. I’m trying to do all of the work and learning from other managers and then to do it myself.
"Exactly (waiting for the chance), something that fits and we’ll wait and see.”
The former Gunners winger returned to the club in 2018 after spending two seasons as assistant manager of Wolfsburg.
After his departure, Arteta and Arsenal technical director Edu wished him well in the future.
"Freddie has been a really important member of my team since my arrival," said Arteta at the time.
"He did a great job picking the team up when Unai left and we all have 100% respect for him as a man and a coach.
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"I know I'll be facing him on the touchline in the future."
Edu revealed Ljungberg had "various opportunities over the last 12 months and stuck to the job at Arsenal".
He added: "Now he has the opportunity to consider other options, and it makes sense for his career at this time."
