Freddie Ljungberg has been written off by many as a crock since his injury-plagued spell at West Ham United, but after signing this week for Celtic he said he feels 25 again. The 33-year-old Ljungberg, who has signed a six-month deal in Glasgow, said he is back to his best after rehabilitation following a move to Major League Soccer.
"I had hip surgery in America because I'd had problems during my last two years in Europe," Ljungberg said. "They said out there that my hip was broken and I didn't know about it. Every time I sprinted 100%, my hamstring broke. But I knew if I didn't sprint 100%, I could keep on playing, so that's what you do.
"I was just lucky it was discovered in America and I haven't had one problem since. I feel I can run past people again and that feels nice. I had pain when I woke up in the morning and it is not that much fun. Since the surgery, I feel like I am 25 again when I wake up and it makes a difference when you play."
Ljungberg admitted he considered retiring from football before the hip problem was properly diagnosed. "Of course, you question it," he said. "I lived on being a quick player and my hamstring was breaking every time I made a quick move. I wondered what the hell was going on.
"People were talking about how I didn't train and couldn't play, and I was questioning things. That brings you down, but finding the answer was amazing. I got the happiness back in my life through that."
Ljungberg harbours no regrets over his time playing in both Seattle and Chicago. A quieter way of life, the Swede said, appealed after his problematic period at Upton Park ended with the early termination of his contract in 2008.
"I just wanted a break and to do something totally different," said the former Arsenal midfielder. "When I went to Seattle, it was quite a quiet town and we made it the biggest soccer following in America. We didn't have the paparazzi, though, and I needed that at the time. I realise it is massive here in Glasgow and I missed that passion. People get pissed off if we don't win and that's something I thrive on."
Ljungberg will be handed an early baptism in the Old Firm match on Sunday. Celtic's manager, Neil Lennon, has yet to decide whether to play his latest recruit but, partly owing to a shortage of fit players, Ljungberg is likely to feature at some point. "It's a huge signing for us and we are very, very pleased," said Lennon. "It's not just the name we are signing, it's the quality, charisma and experience he can bring to the team as well."
As has become customary on both sides of the Old Firm divide, Celtic's manager played down the theory that this derby will be pivotal to the championship race. "We'll not even be halfway through the season, win, lose or draw the game," Lennon said. "Psychologically, winning would give the team a lift. But I don't think it will have a defining impact on the season. Other people may see it differently, but in my experience I know it won't be the case."