Arsenal invincible Ljungberg retires

Former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 35-year-old spent nine years at the north London outfit, winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups between 1998 and 2007.

Ljungberg represented Sweden 75 times and captained his side throughout the Euro 2008 qualifiers before retiring from international football after the tournament.

“It is with a bittersweet feeling that I now choose to end my football career. A decision that has emerged after six months of thinking about it,” Ljungberg said in a statement.

“During my football career I have had the opportunity to play with some of the top football players in the world, as well as teams in the world elite.

“I am grateful for everything football has given me and all the amazing people I met through my career.”

Ljungberg’s most successful season at Arsenal was in 2001/02, where his return of 17 goals from midfield helped the Gunners to a Premier League and FA Cup double. He also played a key role in the Gunners’ ‘Invincibles’ team that finished the 2003/04 English league campaign unbeaten.

However, a succession of injuries hampered his progress following a 2007 exit from the Premier League – leading to a multitude of short spells at the likes of West Ham, Celtic and MLS sides Seattle Sounders and Chicago Fire.

Ljunberg’s last competitive appearance was for Japanese side Shimizu S-Pulse, who terminated his contract by mutual consent in February.