Arsenal legend Fredrik 'Freddie' Ljungberg retires from club football

Nine long years in the red half of London with 2 League titles, 3 FA Cup winner’s medals and 3 Community Shields to his name, he was probably one of Arsenal‘s most influential midfielders in the first decade of this millennium.

The former Sweden captain, Freddie Ljungberg has announced his retirement from football at all stages. Ljungberg stepped down from his national team role after Euro 2008. Ljungberg joined Arsenal from Swedish giants, Halmstad in 1998, in a 3 million pound move, which was then the highest fee paid for a Swedish footballer.

Ljungberg was instrumental in Arsenal’s double winning season, with his goals against Manchester United and Liverpool being the most memorable ones. Noted for his red hair, Ljungberg endeared himself to the Highbury faithful, and was placed 11th on Arsenal’s list of 50 Greatest Gunners.

Since leaving Arsenal, Ljungberg had stints at West Ham United, MLS, Scotland and most recently in Shimizu S-Pulse of the J-League. The player has been out of contract after terminating his deal with the Japanese club in the February of 2012.

“It’s correct that Fredrik has taken the decision to quit. I got the decision on Wednesday,” Lili Assefa, the player’s representative told the SVT channel.

Last week, Ljungberg had posted a message on Twitter, announcing that he had gladly accepted a role in Arsenal’s coaching staff, for the 2013-14 season.