Fredrik Ljungberg Profile

PERSONAL PROFILE
Name: Karl Fredrik “Freddie” Ljungberg
Date of Birth: 16 April 1977
Birthplace: Vittsjö, Hässleholm, Sweden
Nationality: Swedish
Height: 176 cm (5ft 9in)
Weight: 162 lbs.
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Current club: Seattle Sounders
Position: Midfield
Squad number: 10 (9 for Sweden)

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Previous Clubs:
West Ham (England, 2007-08) , Arsenal (England, 1998-2007) , Halmstads BK (Sweden, 1994-98

1994-98: Debuted for BK Halmstad senior team at the age of 17. Halmstad won Sweden’s first division, the Allsvenskan, in 1997 and the Swedish Cup in 1995. Made 139 appearances over five seasons, scoring 16 goals.

1998-2007: Starred nine seasons for London’s Arsenal, one of England’s Big Four. Played prominent role in Gunners’ run of two EPL and three FA Cup championships between 1999-05, including 2002 league and cup double and 2003-04 unbeaten league campaign of “The Invincibles.” During his first seven seasons in North London, the club won two EPL trophies and was runner-up five times. Arsenal was runner-up to Barcelona in the 2006 UEFA Champions League final. The club never finished lower than fourth in the Premiership during his tenure. Spotted by Arsène Wenger during international competition between Sweden and England and soon after signed for £3 million. Debuted by coming on as substitute 9/20/98 and scoring in 3-0 win over Manchester United. Appeared in 328 matches for Arsenal from 1998-07, scoring 72 goals. His season high was 17 in 2001-02 in all competitions, with his 12 in league play ranking ninth in EPL. Also scored in 2002 FA Cup final win, 2-0 over Chelsea, becoming first player to score in consecutive FA Cup finals. Along with Arsenal winning EPL, Ljungberg was named Sweden’s Player of the Year. Gunners won EPL without a loss (26-0-12) in 2004 and eventually set an English record by going undefeated over 49 matches. Helped Arsenal reclaim FA Cup in 2005, converting vital penalty in tiebreaker against Man United and scoring 14 times in all competitions. Named Sweden’s Footballer of the Year for a second time in 2006, when Arsenal advanced to Champions League Final for first time and Sweden reached World Cup finals and advanced to second round.

2007-08: Signed by West Ham United of the English Premier League. Appeared in 25 league matches, finishing with two goals. Scored first goal for club in February against Birmingham, and soon followed with another at Sunderland. Sustained a season-ending hamstring injury against Newcastle in April.

International
Between his first appearance for his country in 1998 (vs. U.S.A.) and his international retirement following Euro 2008, Ljungberg played in two World Cups (2002, 2006) and three Euros. He had served as national team captain since 2006 and, altogether, scored 14 goals.

Personal
Born in Vittsjö, in the southern part of Sweden. A talented handball player, was called to the national handball squad at the age of 13. A fashion icon is known for dyeing and styling his hair. Modeled for Calvin Klein underwear. Voted best-dressed man in Sweden in 2002.

Regular Season Stats

year	club	gp	gs	min	g	a	sht	sog	fc	fs	c	ej
2009	Seattle Sounders FC	22	21	1,836	2	9	27	14	31	67	6	1
Career		22	21	1,836	2	9	27	14	31	67	6	1