Right time for my American dream, says Ljungberg
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Freddie Ljungberg insists his move to the Seattle Sounders team in US Major League Soccer is more than a tasty payday. The former Sweden international, who played nine seasons with Arsenal, was released by West Ham in the off-season, just one year into a four-year deal. Ljungberg's final seasons at Arsenal and his only season at West Ham were blighted by a succession of injuries, but the 31-year-old says he can still provide value for Seattle, which enters the MLS next season.
The former Swedish national team captain signed a multiyear deal with the Sounders, although only a small portion of his salary will count against the team's salary cap. According to reports Ljungberg will be paid $2.5m (£1.6m) per year. "I felt if I was going to do this, it's a sincere thing, and really help the people over here with soccer, I should go now," Ljungberg said. "I shouldn't go in three years' time when I'm past my peak."
Ljungberg was a star midfielder for nine seasons with Arsenal as the team won two league titles and three FA Cups. He was recently voted No 11 in Arsenal's top 50 players of all time.
But late in his Arsenal career, and last season with West Ham, Ljungberg became injury-prone and his attractiveness to the top clubs in Europe appeared to diminish. He put some of those concerns to rest by captaining Sweden at Euro 2008, but the Swedes failed to advance out of their group.
Ljungberg was signed as Seattle's designated player whose pay does not count under the salary cap. The rule was introduced ahead of the 2007 season, allowing Los Angeles to sign former England captain David Beckham.
Hollywood film producer and director Joe Roth, who is the majority owner of the Sounders, said he initially was not going to sign a designated player, but changed his mind when Ljungberg became available.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments