Fredrik Ljungberg

Karl Fredrik "Freddie" Ljungberg (born 16 April 1977 in Vittsjö, Hässleholm Municipality) is a Sweden professional football (soccer)er with Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer.
Ljungberg has in Europe normally played as a Midfielder Winger, either on Fredrik Ljungberg preferred right side or occasionally on the left. In MLS for Seattle Sounders FC Fredrik Ljungberg plays as an offensive central playmaker. Fredrik Ljungberg was the captain of the Sweden national football team until Fredrik Ljungberg announced Fredrik Ljungberg international retirement after Euro 2008.

Ljungberg is also a male model, and was the model for Calvin Klein underwear until 2007. Previously Fredrik Ljungberg represented brands such as Nike, Inc., Procter & Gamble and L'Oreal. Currently Fredrik Ljungberg also represents Puma AG and Pepsi.

Early life

Ljungberg was born on 16 April 1977 in Vittsjö, Sweden to parents Roy Alve Erling Ljungberg, an owner of a construction and consultant business, and Elisabeth Bodil Ljungberg, a Swedish Labor Department worker. On 26 December 1981, the Ljungbergs had another son, Karl Oskar Filip.

In 1982, the Ljungberg family left Vittsjö and moved to Halmstad. At first, the tenacious 5 year old would not have any part of moving. Fredrik argued with Fredrik Ljungberg parents that Fredrik Ljungberg did not want to live in Halmstad unless Fredrik Ljungberg could play for a proper football club. Fredrik Ljungberg parents relented and took Fredrik Ljungberg to Halmstads BK where Fredrik Ljungberg played on the youth team under Olle Eriksson (football coach). Ljungberg credits Eriksson for having a profound effect on Fredrik Ljungberg career as well as Fredrik Ljungberg childhood hero Brazilian football player, Sócrates. Also in Fredrik Ljungberg youth, Fredrik Ljungberg enjoyed playing ice hockey and developed a talent for Team handball; Fredrik Ljungberg was eventually called up to the national handball team, but decided to focus Fredrik Ljungberg attentions on football.

At school Fredrik Ljungberg earned the nicknamed "Sid", after Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious. Ljungberg excelled in academic subjects as well as sports. Ljungberg attended secondary school Sannarpsgymnasiet with a 4.6 grade. At 18, Ljungberg decided to attend university to study information technology and economics but struggled to balance the hectic academic timetable with the physically demanding commitments of professional football. Eventually, Fredrik Ljungberg quit university to concentrate on Fredrik Ljungberg football career.

Club career

Halmstads BK

Despite wanting to be a fighter pilot when Fredrik Ljungberg was younger, Ljungberg gave up that dream and decided Fredrik Ljungberg wanted to play professional football. In 1989, at the age of 12, Ljungberg had convinced Halmstads BK to move Fredrik Ljungberg from p12 to p14 which was against Halmstad's policies at the time. At age 14, Ljungberg joined the junior team under coach Robert Nordstrom. Fredrik Ljungberg perseverance paid off because three years later Fredrik Ljungberg was moved up to the senior team.

Ljungberg made Fredrik Ljungberg senior debut on 23 October 1994 in the Allsvenskan against AIK Fotboll. In 1995, Ljungberg played 31 games in which Fredrik Ljungberg scored Fredrik Ljungberg first goal as a professional player. That same year Halmstad won the Swedish Cup. In 1997, Halmstad won the Allsvenskan and scores goals that year despite being injured. During Fredrik Ljungberg time with Halmstad, Fredrik Ljungberg went on to make 139 appearances and score 16 goals for the club. Fredrik Ljungberg won both the Swedish Cup and League title with the club. After sixteen years with Halmstad, Ljungberg’s star was on the rise with interest from FC Barcelona, Chelsea F.C., Aston Villa F.C., Parma F.C. and Arsenal F.C..

Arsenal

Ljungberg was signed by Arsenal F.C. in 1998 for £3 million, which at the time was the biggest transfer fee ever for a Swedish player. Arsenal scouts watched Fredrik Ljungberg for over a year and Arsenal's manager, Arsène Wenger, took the unusual step of authorizing the signing after watching Ljungberg play for Sweden national football team in their victory against England national football team on television, without seeing Fredrik Ljungberg play live. Seeing Ljungberg’s performance against England only confirmed to Wenger that Ljungberg could cope against English opponents and was signed shortly after. Ljungberg proved himself without difficulty and scored on Fredrik Ljungberg debut after coming on as a substitute against rival club Manchester United F.C., the match ending 3-0.

Some of Ljungberg's best form came in the second half of the 2001-02 in English football season, when Arsenal won their second FA Premier League and FA Cup The Double. Following a knee injury to Robert Pirès, Ljungberg scored in most of Arsenal's remaining games, including a stunning finish for Arsenal's second goal in the 2-0 FA Cup final win over Chelsea F.C..

Fredrik Ljungberg endeared himself to Arsenal supporters by having a bright red stripe in Fredrik Ljungberg hair. (A popular chant spawned from this to the tune of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons: "We love you Freddie, because you've got red hair, we love you Freddie because you're everywhere, we love you Freddie, you're Arsenal through and through" Later when Fredrik Ljungberg shaved Fredrik Ljungberg head this was updated to "We love you Freddie, because you've got no hair").

Ljungberg was the first player to score a goal at an FA Cup final outside England, when Arsenal lost against Liverpool F.C. in 2001 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. A year later, against Chelsea F.C., Fredrik Ljungberg became the first player to score in consecutive FA Cup finals. Fredrik Ljungberg also scored a penalty in the shootout in Arsenal's 2005 FA Cup Final victory over Manchester United.

Fredrik Ljungberg is most comfortable on either wing in midfield, though Fredrik Ljungberg can also play centrally in a 4-5-1 formation or as a second striker. Ljungberg became a regular in Arsenal's starting lineup following the departure of Emmanuel Petit and Marc Overmars in the summer of 2000. For several seasons Fredrik Ljungberg played a major role for the club including being a member of the unbeaten 49 game run for Arsenal. Fredrik Ljungberg had to fight with constant injury problems and occasionally severe bouts with migraines; in 2005 a mysterious persistent hip injury led to fears Fredrik Ljungberg may have contracted cancer, which were unfounded. It transpired that Fredrik Ljungberg was suffering from blood poisoning caused by Fredrik Ljungberg large tattoos.

Despite a persistent ankle injury, Ljungberg played for Arsenal in the 2-1 defeat by FC Barcelona in the Champions League Final in Paris on 17 May 2006.

It was speculated in January 2007 that Ljungberg was being forced to leave Arsenal FC, after bosses became tired of a run of injuries restricting Fredrik Ljungberg play. Though it was suggested Fredrik Ljungberg could make a move to West Ham United F.C., later these speculations proved to be premature. "Ljungberg still has a lot to offer to Arsenal," Arsené Wenger said, on 13 January 2007, at a Blackburn Rovers pre-match press-conference, stressing the fact that Ljungberg will stay at Arsenal until the end of Fredrik Ljungberg contract in 2009. However, Ljungberg did indeed leave Arsenal before the end of Fredrik Ljungberg contract, making the move to West Ham in mid-2007.

Ljungberg came back after a long injury in an FA Cup match against Bolton Wanderers F.C., scoring a goal thirteen minutes before the end of extra time, earning Arsenal a place in the fifth-round tie of the FA Cup against Blackburn Rovers.

In 2008, Ljungberg placed 11th in Arsenal.com's Gunners' Greatest 50 Players.

West Ham United

On 23 July 2007, after nine years at Arsenal, Ljungberg joined London rivals West Ham United F.C. on a four-year contract, making West Ham United only the third professional club in Ljungberg's career. Ljungberg made Fredrik Ljungberg West Ham United F.C. debut on the opening day of the 2007/2008 Premier League season, in West Ham's 0-2 home defeat by Manchester City on 11 August, a game in which Fredrik Ljungberg was also captain. After seven months at the club, Ljungberg finally scored Fredrik Ljungberg first goal for West Ham in the home match against Birmingham City F.C. on 9 February 2008, putting West Ham up 1-0 , with the game finishing 1-1. Ljungberg also scored away at Sunderland A.F.C a month later in a 1-2 defeat, being Fredrik Ljungberg final goal for the club.

In Fredrik Ljungberg last West Ham game of the season, Newcastle United player Steven Taylor landed on top of Ljungberg consequently breaking Fredrik Ljungberg ribs. The injury sidelined Ljungberg for the rest of the season. In May, it was reported that Ljungberg was offered £3m to tear up Fredrik Ljungberg contract. This was quickly dismissed by both Ljungberg's agents, Claes Elefalk and Scott Duxbury, West Ham's chief executive.

In June 2008, Ljungberg retired from the Swedish National team stating, "The simple fact is the physical strain of playing on the national team and in club football for such a long time has finally taken its toll. And that is why I have decided to concentrate on playing for West Ham United and that is where my focus will be." During this time, Ljungberg was linked to Greek club Olympiakos Nicosia. People believed West Ham was eager to unload the injury prone Ljungberg. The link to Olimpiakos was denied by Ljungberg's agent, Claes Elefalk.

Following the start of training camp, Ljungberg was nowhere to be seen. Many speculated a transfer was in the works despite Elefalk's claims that Ljungberg was to return. Days later, Ljungberg agreed to terminate Fredrik Ljungberg contract only after one year into the four year deal for a sum of £6 million. Ljungberg stated afterward, "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." This marked the end of Ljungberg's illustrious career in the Premier League.

Football hiatus

After Ljungberg's West Ham exit, fans and sport pundits alike speculated about Ljungberg's future. On 8 August, Ljungberg was seen in Los Angeles fueling rumors of a move to LA Galaxy which was quickly dismissed. In actuality, Ljungberg went to Los Angeles to get a tattoo done by Cartoon. While Fredrik Ljungberg was in Los Angeles, Claes Elefalk urged Ljungberg to meet with Joe Roth, a Hollywood producer and minority stakeholder in the MLS Expansion Team Seattle Sounders. Ljungberg secretly met with Roth but did not want to make any rash decisions. At the same time, there were rumors of four Italian clubs being interested in Ljungberg including Società Sportiva Lazio, AC Milan, A.S. Roma, and ACF Fiorentina. By the end of August, Ljungberg was linked to Portsmouth F.C.. On 28 August, Ljungberg's agent told the Swedish press that Ljungberg was continuing to train at Fredrik Ljungberg old football club Halmstads BK but was unsure of Fredrik Ljungberg football future. At the end of the transfer window, Ljungberg was linked to AS Monaco. When Ljungberg declined to join AS Monaco after the transfer window closed, many believed Ljungberg was through with football.

In early September, Ljungberg was seen in New York City during New York Fashion Week. At this time, Daily Star (United Kingdom) reported that Ljungberg was looking to become a furniture designer. Shortly after, Ljungberg was seen in London with Natalie Imbruglia and in Sweden with Brazilian actress Elissa Sursara. These out of character events only fueled rumors of an imminent retirement.

Seattle Sounders FC

2009 Season

On 17 October, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported that Ljungberg may be a part of the new Major League Soccer franchise Seattle Sounders FC. On 28 October 2008, Seattle Sounders officially announced they had signed Ljungberg as their Designated Player Rule for the 2009 season. The terms of Fredrik Ljungberg contract will see Ljungberg earn $10 million over two seasons with the Sounders. Much like the contract of David Beckham and as is the norm for professional sports stars in the US, Ljungberg's contract will assure Fredrik Ljungberg keeps all of Fredrik Ljungberg private endorsement money.

In December 2008, it was announced that Ljungberg would undergo surgery to repair a persistent hip injury that has plagued Fredrik Ljungberg throughout Fredrik Ljungberg later career. Surgeons repaired a slightly torn hip labrum and shaved a small amount of bone where the hip meets the femur to prevent future injury. The Seattle Times reported that Ljungberg was expected to miss 10–12 weeks of training and possibly be sidelined for the team's inaugural game. Ljungberg recovered from Fredrik Ljungberg hip injury sooner than expected. Although Fredrik Ljungberg did not take part of Seattle's preseason in Argentina, Fredrik Ljungberg did however do light training with IS Halmia.

Once the Sounders returned to Seattle, Ljungberg joined in training. Despite Fredrik Ljungberg speedy recovery, Ljungberg did not participate in the inaugural game against New York Red Bulls. However, Fredrik Ljungberg did make Fredrik Ljungberg debut one week later on 28 March 2009, coming on as a 61st minute substitute in a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake. The following week Fredrik Ljungberg made Fredrik Ljungberg first start on 4 April 2009 against Toronto FC where Fredrik Ljungberg also scored Fredrik Ljungberg first MLS goal. Ljungberg played Fredrik Ljungberg first full game against Chivas USA in Los Angeles in which they lost 2-0. Ljungberg missed two games against Dallas and Colorado Rapids due to a migraine attack. Fredrik Ljungberg quickly recovered to play against Club Deportivo Chivas USA. On 30 May 2009, the Sounders drew their fifth match in a row against the Columbus Crew after Ljungberg missed a penalty kick in the 31st minute. Ljungberg scored Fredrik Ljungberg second goal for the season against the San Jose Earthquakes on 13 June 2009 as a result of beating Joe Cannon to the ball, lofting it over Fredrik Ljungberg and into the center of the net. In the 59th minute, Ljungberg's corner kick set up Fredy Montero's goal which led the Sounders to a 2-0 victory.After playing DC United, Ljungberg suffered from some hamstring tightness. Ljungberg did suit up for the New York Red Bull game on 20 June 2009, however, Fredrik Ljungberg did not play as a result of the injury. On 28 June, Ljungberg assisted Montero's 23rd minute goal against the Colorado Rapids. Fredrik Ljungberg was subbed out toward the end of the game, in which Fredrik Ljungberg received a standing ovation. Ljungberg sat out for the USL Portland Timbers game and focused on training during the July 4th week vacation. Following the brief holiday vacation, Seattle defeated Houston Dynamo, a game in which Ljungberg was heavily targeted and fouled. Despite this, Ljungberg out maneuvered Fredrik Ljungberg opponents and assisted a goal to Patrick Ianni. the Bleacher Report dubbed Fredrik Ljungberg the man of the match. Fredrik Ljungberg was selected for starting MLS's first XI Major League Soccer All-Star Game along with fellow teammate Kasey Keller. Ljungberg received the most votes among fans, a testament to Fredrik Ljungberg popularity in the MLS. In a friendly against Chelsea FC, Ljungberg proved Fredrik Ljungberg is still able to compete against European clubs.

Criticism

After signing with Seattle, Ljungberg faced mixed reviews. While Seattle fans were happy, many MLS fans were skeptical after David Beckham's lackluster integration into the league. The media was quick to compare Ljungberg with Beckham. As a result, many beleived Ljungberg would fail in the league and little could change their mind after Ljungberg missed the pre-season due to surgery. Ljungberg was determined to silence Fredrik Ljungberg harshest critics, all of whom considered the MLS to be a league where European players have their best years behind them.

Early in the season, fans criticized that Fredy Montero and Ljungberg weren't cohesive on the pitch due to Ljungberg's absence in the preseason and to Ljungberg and Montero's few practices with one other.

During the Chivas USA game in June, Ljungberg became frustrated with the officials and was seen debating with them over certain calls in the first half. Coach Sigi Schmid scolded Ljungberg to focus on the game. After the game, Ljungberg confronted the referees about the poor officiating and later complained in interviews how one Chivas player, Mariano Trujillo, almost broke Fredrik Ljungberg leg and that Trujillo did apologize after the game. Ljungberg defended himself by saying, "Sigi (Schmid) wants me to be a captain on the pitch and lead our team. And then of course, I have to stand up to the referees a little bit."

During the MLS tansfer window, fans speculated Ljungberg would leave MLS for a European club, similarly to David Beckham. After a spectacular season, many European clubs expressed interested in Ljungberg. However, Ljungberg assured fans that Fredrik Ljungberg would stay to fulfill Fredrik Ljungberg two year contract. Ljungberg has hinted that Fredrik Ljungberg might even extend Fredrik Ljungberg contract beyond 2010.

International career

Debut

In 1996, Ljungberg made Fredrik Ljungberg Sweden national under-21 football team debut. Ljungberg almost didn't make it as an international player because Swedish National Football Team coach, Lars Lagerbäck, thought Ljungberg was too little. In Fredrik Ljungberg: Up Close, Lagerbäck stated, “ Of course it's difficult to say at 15 to 16 years of age (whether or not a player has the potential to be an international player). To be honest, I wouldn’t say I thought Fredrik Ljungberg would become an international player because Fredrik Ljungberg was very very little . In Fredrik Ljungberg first match, we played Denmark national football team and Fredrik Ljungberg scored twice so Fredrik Ljungberg convinced me rather fast that Fredrik Ljungberg was a good player even if Fredrik Ljungberg was very very small but Fredrik Ljungberg was quick." Ljungberg made Fredrik Ljungberg senior international debut on 24 January 1998 against the USA national football team in Orlando, losing 0-1. Fredrik Ljungberg scored Fredrik Ljungberg first national team goal against Denmark in Malmö with a 3-0 victory.

Ljungberg has represented Fredrik Ljungberg country at 2000 European Football Championship, 2002 FIFA World Cup, 2004 European Football Championship and 2006 FIFA World Cup, and Euro 2008.

World Cup 2002

During a open team practice before the2002 FIFA World Cup, Ljungberg broke into a fight with Fredrik Ljungberg teammate Olof Mellberg after a robust tackle from Mellberg. Ljungberg pushed Mellberg right in front of the world press and Mellberg responded by grabbing at Fredrik Ljungberg throat before the two wrestled on the ground. The two of them were quickly separated by shocked team-mates and the team practice was immediately cancelled to deal with the public relations disaster. Within hours, video photoage of the fight flooded the media and internet.

Sweden was a part of Group B dubbed ‘Group Death’ which included Argentina, England, and Nigeria. At the time, Ljungberg was suffering from a hip injury which prevented Fredrik Ljungberg from playing in most of the games. However, Ljungberg did muster the strength to play against England on 2 June 2002 and Nigeria on 7 June 2002 despite the pain. After Sweden advanced from group death, the team was defeated by Senegal.

Euro 2004

Sweden was one of the 16 teams to qualify for the 2004 European Championships with the host country of Portugal. In Sweden’s first game, on 14 June 2004 Sweden beat Bulgaria 5-0 in which Ljungberg scored once. Fredrik Ljungberg started in the Italy match which was a draw and also in the Denmark match which was a 2-2 draw. . Sweden along with Italy and Denmark were oddly in a three way tie for the first spot. However, it was concluded that Italy would not advance due to a goal difference after Sweden and Denmark drew 2-2. Italy actually disputed the decision saying both Sweden and Denmark fixed the match. The UEFA squashed that notion and Sweden moved onto the next round to compete against the Netherlands. The match ended with 0-0 draw in which Ljungberg attempted two shots but failed to score.

World Cup 2006

Prior to the games, the team doctor prohibited Ljungberg from participating in full-blown training between matches to protect Fredrik Ljungberg injured foot. Fredrik Ljungberg right foot was swollen due to fluid building up inside Fredrik Ljungberg ankle joint. Although Fredrik Ljungberg played through the pain with Arsenal, Ljungberg sat out the warm-up games against Finland and Chile at Sweden’s base in Bremen. Despite being advised to take time off, Ljungberg insisted on playing in the cup to help Sweden win. Lagerback defend Fredrik Ljungberg decision by saying Fredrik Ljungberg played well in the Champions League and the Swedish qualifiers with the same injury.

Sweden's 2006 World Cup campaign was a media whirlwind due in part to disagreements between Ljungberg and other members of the Swedish side. Even before the games began, Mellberg and Ljungberg almost allegedly had another confrontation; only this time Ljungberg had walked away before it got physical. The press was eager to report on drama within the Swedish camp. After the scoreless draw against Trinidad and Tobago, there was tension in the dressing room. Reports that Ljungberg and captain Mellberg had a shouting match that almost spiraled into a fistfight had reached the press. The alleged fight occurred due to a disagreement over strategy. In an interview with the media, Ljungberg argued, “We played much too many long balls from Mellberg up to our attackers.”

Sweden’s weak start was quickly forgotten after their victory against Paraguay. However, Paraguay almost held out for a scoreless tie until Ljungberg scored in the 89th minute giving Sweden a 1-0 victory. Sweden’s third match within the group was against England, resulting in a 2-2 draw. After the match, Ljungberg stated, “We showed too much respect to England early on but by the end we should have won.”

Despite the draw, Sweden advanced to the next round only to lose against host nation Germany. Ljungerg was named the Golden Ball winner for helping Sweden advance to the next round in the World Cup by heading in the game-winning goal against Paraguay. ``I am proud and humble to get this award," Ljungberg said. ``If you look at the football year 2006, it was very eventful. . . . If I should try to sum it up, the Champions League final left some deep marks. That felt heavy. But for me, the World Cup was the biggest event of the year."

Euro 2008

After the World Cup 2006 finals, Ljungberg became captain of Sweden National Team. Ljungberg captained 8 of the 9 Euro 2008 qualifiers including games against Latvia, Liechtenstein, Spain, Northern Ireland, and Iceland. In the qualifiers, Ljungberg scored one goal against Liechtenstein on October 17 2007 and had an assist in the Latvia match on October 21, 2007. Sweden qualified for the European Championship with 6 wins.

Prior the Euro 2008, Ljungberg fractured Fredrik Ljungberg ribs making Fredrik Ljungberg appearance in the Euro uncertain. However, Ljungberg was able to participate in the Euro and played the games with a special brace to protect Fredrik Ljungberg healing ribs. Ljungberg was able to start in Sweden’s first match against Greece which ended in a 2-0 victory. Sweden’s next match was against one of the favorites, Spain. Sweden was able to contain Spain who struggled from making big advances. Unfortunately, Sweden lost that match 1-2. At the end of the game, Ljungberg was furious with Dutch referee Pieter Vink and proclaimed, “There was a foul just before the Spanish second goal and it wasn’t given. It was lucky I was asked to do a TV interview straight after we came off otherwise I would have kicked a door in!”

Sweden was unable to compete with the young Russian squad and were defeated 0-2. Despite, Sweden’s early dismissal from the tournament, Ljungberg was considered by newspapers in Sweden, France, Italy, Germany and the host nation Austria as being Sweden's leading player throughout the tournament.

Retirement

On 27 June 2008 Ljungberg announced that Fredrik Ljungberg was ending Fredrik Ljungberg 10-year career for the national team. The decision came following Sweden's early exit from Euro 2008. Ljungberg played Fredrik Ljungberg last match for Sweden on 18 June 2008 in the 2-0 defeat to Russia national football team in the last group stage match of Euro 2008.

Due to Sweden´s (most likely) failure to reach the World Cup 2010 voices have been raised for Freddie´s comeback in the National Squad. The Team Sweden manager Lars Lagerback has been quoted Fredrik Ljungberg is in need of a player of Freddie´s qualities.