Its been a difficult time. The potential strike that is happening in US soccer has made every player worry about their career’s and where they will be playing next season…. It’s been a big surprise how long the negotiations have been going on and no agreement has been reached.
All that the players are asking for is FIFA RIGHTS!! Every football player in the world that I know of plays under those rules, big or small leagues. So when I thought an agreement would be signed in a second…How wrong was I…..
A lot of very good clubs in Europe has shown an interest in me this winter and that is always a nice feeling and very flattering. I also want to say that I have handled this situation with the respect and dignity that the Seattle fans deserve. I don’t believe that players should look to manufacture moves to other clubs by involving the media, as this is disrespectful to their club and fans. I hope you understand that this situation was out of my control but I can say that I am truly happy that it has been resolved and I will be returning to Seattle.
Personally I’ve never been close to be in this situation in my life. Very confusing. Reality is that I’m 32 years old.. I cant on a personal note sit out a year and not play, I love the game and want to play my last years of my career, especially when so many great clubs have shown an interest and I’m grateful to them.
I can say that the reason I missed training this week was because of a communication error due to the business discussions. I had by this point already committed to playing with the Sounders next year, which I am very excited about.
I’m very grateful to all the clubs who have shown a great interest in my services but as I’ve always said I want to go back to America and play for Seattle. Based on the latest news I’ve heard from both sides, there wont be a lock out or strike on Feb 1. So from Feb 1 I will be with my team in Seattle trying to help them become the best team in America.
I CAN HAPPILY SAY THAT IT FEELS VERY NICE TO BE ABLE TO KEEP MY WORD. SORRY THERE HAS BEEN SO MUCH SPECULATION
I want to take this opportunity to thank all my great fans for their support during this time both in letters and here on the internet.
//F
Comments (97)
Small talk
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Thank You Fans http://bit.ly/bOHdNw
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New game against Los Angeles Galaxy http://bit.ly/c5PT62
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Let the players decide who will win... http://bit.ly/99lvQM
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Extremely disappointing to draw against the defending champions http://bit.ly/cToOtf
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Big game tonite. Replay of the champions league final http://bit.ly/boPEvg
To Twitter
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Thank You Fans http://bit.ly/bOHdNw
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Preseason training camp in Arizona
Been in training camp in Arizona for a week now. We have been running our asses off and we are all a bit tired, but no pain no gain.
Preseason training camp in Arizona
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"Top 5" stadiums in the world
Started thinking about the five best football stadiums I ever played at and came up with my personal “top 5″ list that I wanted to share with you.
"Top 5" stadiums in the world
RSS feed
I can’t wait to see you on March 25th! We’re so happy to have you back.
Great news!
We look forward to having you back another season. You’ll be back in time to make the trip to sunny Arizona and then off to Spain.
I’m also glad to hear such optimism that the deal with the CBA will get done.
Thanks for clearing that up Freddie. I look forward to seeing you play again this year.
[...] an open letter on his blog, Sounders FC designated player Freddie Ljungberg has noted that there was a “communication [...]
C U in the pitch Freddie!! Seattle is glad to have you back in the rave green!
Glad to hear you are coming back! In terms of the communication issue, obviously, you, your agent, Sigi, Adrian and your teammates can sort that out.
Looking forward to March 25!
Glad you got things squared away. Looking forward to seeing even greater things this season.
right on freddie, you’re sounders til you die or when your contract is up
It’s great to hear your side of things Freddie. It’s also great to hear about the state of the CBA. Totally on the players’ side on this one. Looking forward to seeing you on the pitch!
REALLY glad to hear of your decision, Freddie. Sounders supporters are happy to know you’ll be our offensive motor again this season. The US Soccer situation right now is confusing, even to the most serious followers; but we appreciate your continued dedication to SSFC. See you on the pitch!
Glad to have that cleared up Freddie. I’ll admit that despite all the rumors, you have handled yourself very well and Seattle appreciates it. Can’t wait to have you back in the Emerald City!
This is fantastic news. Sucks there was some communication issues but it is awesome that you will be back.
Freddies too busy getting his last underwear ad in before the season starts is all… See you on the Xbox 360 pitch.
That’s really great to hear what’s up straight from you Freddie! Can’t wait to see you out there again this season!
Very happy to hear you’ll be back as a Sounder!
Yay! Glad to hear you are coming back. I’ll be cheering for you from the stands all season.
Woo Hoo! We are so excited to see you play for the Sounders again!
WOOOOHOOO!! So good to hear this news and I seriously can’t wait to see you and the rest of the guys out on the Pitch this March. BTW I’d do a victory dance right now but I think my coworkers would t
Thanks for clarifying this, Freddie!
I think your fans were getting very confused, and it’s great that you could speak directly to us about it.
We all hope the CBA is finished soon too!
WOOOHOOO!!
Glad to hear you’ll be back in Seattle and that everything is resolved for you. Looking forward to an even more amazing season with you on the Sounders!
It’s unfortunate the way things get screwed by the press…good that you have this site where you can give your perspective. It’s very stupid they let it drag out so long…makes them look really dumb. Totally understand you not wanting to sit out a whole season ‘cause these yahoos can’t get their act together. I think it’s great that you took a stand & said you wanted the issue resolved before coming back to Seattle. Your fans in Seattle love you Freddie so just ignore the crap printed in the media
As much as I like Keller, he should keep his comments to himself – remember that stuff he said about players loosing jobs if they don’t step up – we know this – just don’t need to hear it from him. It’s the coach who says this if need be – not Keller. So his lame remark about him being disappointed & him wanting to play w/players who want to be in Seattle from day one of training….well, take it w/a pinch of salt
Good to hear Freddie!!! We’re frustrated with the labor dispute as well. All we want is to focus on the game. Sounders FC had an amazing first year to build on and I want to see us succeed in the playoffs again, repeat the Open Cup, and perform well in the Champions League matches this year! It’s going to be an exciting year, but I agree with you that the players deserve the same rights as all professional soccer players of the world.
Hurry back to Seattle, we’ll be cheering for you!
GO Sounders!
Thanks Freddie!!
I was so bummed you wouldn’t be with us this year…people were all saying your absence proved the inevitable.
What good news!!! I am relieved you are coming back to play with the Sounders. And through this you have been a class act. If the uninformed had behaved the same, this would not have been such an issue.
Enjoy you last days in Sweden with your family and friends. Safe travels returning here.
Great news! I can’t wait to see the opening day match on ESPN against the Union! Thank you for staying! With you staying @ Seattle, along with the US in the World Cup, it will truley help the sport in America!
I’m so excited Freddie! Thank you for coming back to Seattle…I cannot wait until March!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!
Great news Freddie,
The season would not have been the same without you. Glad to have you back!!! Can’t wait until 3/25!!!
Welcome back!!
Woohoo!! Can’t wait to have you back!!! We really do love you here Freddie!
I would have been nice that you would’ve shown up to first day of training since you are under contract whether the negotiation was finalized or not. Bottom line you had a contract and you were expected to be there. Anyways, we are happy that you are back and hopefully you will help your team and the young ones.
Freddie, if you’re going to miss practice you should always tell your coach! Is it not done this way in Sweden also??
Well spoken! All the best to you Freddie!
Seattle loves you Freddie!!!! We wouldn’t have been so upset about you not being here if we didn’t care. Can’t wait to see you in Rave Green next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Such Great News! Made my day that much better.
FREDDIE I hope to hear this news, to clarify how THAT ARE GOOD THINGS IN TRUTH, THE FANS HERE IN SEATTLE WE LOVE YOU SEE IN THE FIELD.
SEE YOU THE FIRST OF FEBRUARY.
Thank you Freddie!
Hej Fredrik. Jag är ett stort fan till dig, det har jag varit sedan din tid i Arsenal då du hade tuppakam
Hade hoppats på comeback i Arsenal, men allra mest hoppas jag på en comeback i landslagströjan. Ditt land behöver dig. Ha det bra.
Freddie,
I must tell you that was one of the most respectable, well written, and truthfull thing I have ever heard from a professional athelete.
Welcome back to Seattle, now lets get some work done
Excellent news that you will be back, Freddie! We were getting a little nervous. I will be eager to hear your impressions of the new guys the Sounders picked up in the draft (Estrada, Seamon and Wallace). Cheers!
Thanks for your honesty and see you on the 35TH!
Handled with class like everything else. Thank you for your committment and we are excited to have you back!
thank you! i admit is was nervous, reading things like you didn’t want to come back. i’m glad you’re back and i apologize for my previous comment in your last post.
Thanks for the insight. I’m very glad that this was a misunderstanding. Good luck to you and the rest of the boys I’ll be in the stands cheering you all the way to the cup!
Seattle LOVES you Freddie!!!
Well done Freddy. Look forward to seeing you on the XBOX Pitch again this year. If things go awry here …will enjoy watching your games whereever you play. Let’s hope the MLS doesn’t screw this up.
Thank you for your insightful post, Freddie. This is such wonderful news! Would have totally understood your decision either way, but we are sure happy to have you back in Seattle. You’re an integral part of our team and community. Welcome back!
Freddie, thanks for being a stand up guy! All of us should have understood the impact of these negotiations on you. You want to play footy… and we want you here in Seattle! It only made sense for you to keep your options open until you knew for sure we’d have a season. Looking forward to having you back in Seattle. The season wouldn’t have been the same without you! Take ‘em all!
Wow Freddie, thanks for this update! I wasn’t sure which way this was going to go. I am very impressed that you listen to the fans and feel confident to express yourself this clearly. You are in your prime and I understand the kind of internal debate you were having, influenced by the CBA indecision. I hope you see now too how soccer fans in America still feel like a minority and we were all worried that we were being rejected in some way, by you and by the MLS somehow. I’m glad you will be here. Again, we’re PROUD of you (to stay AND to speak your mind)! Let’s hope that some good deal is struck re: the CBA and most importantly that you and the Sounders have a great year!
2 things to add to my previous post..
1. Kasey has a right to speak his mind too, and in general he’s right on contracts/showing up too.
2. You’re clock is one hour off!
Welcome back!
YAY! i was so worried u werent coming back! but u r! thank u for staying with ur fans in seattle
Obviously from all the support and comments, Seattle totally loves you and we’re happy to see you stay another year. Yay!!
WE LOVE YOU FREDDIE BECAUSE YOU GOT NO HAIR
WE LOVE YOU FREDDIE BECAUSE YOUR EVERYWHERE
WE LOVE YOU FREDDIE YOUR SOUNDERS THROUGH AND THROUGH
WELCOME BACK LAD!
Freddie…you’re the best, bro. I love how honest you are about everything. It is really refreshing to see an athlete of your stature be so straightforward about your personal career decisions. I am very glad you’ll be in camp starting next Monday…and I can’t wait to see you take our Sounders to the top this season!!!
This makes so much more sense. Thanks for clarifying.
We never doubted you for a minute!
And just so you know, we’ve been doing some serious fan training … going to bars, raising money for Haiti … Qwest Field will be rocking for the season opener!
Freddie,it is SO good to read you will be back here in Seattle. You were such a pleasure to watch last season that the thought of you not returning was most unpleasant. Thank you for allowing us to marvel at your skills for another year.
So happy to have read this news! I am set to attend my own rugby practice tonight with braces on both knees and one ankle. But I am going for my team. Your post inspires and makes a mockery of the negative press. Look forward to a great Rave Green season! Teach them what it’s all about & keep speaking up;)
Very happy you’ll be back in rave green this season. Cheers!
FREDDIE! FREDDIE! FREDDIE! FREDDIE! FREDDIE! FREDDIE!
NOW THAT YOU ARE BACK CAN WE TALK ABOUT A CONTRACT EXTENSION?!
GO SOUNDERS!
So happy you are coming back. I can now finish hanging the jersey you signed and my daughter had mounted (framed) for my christmas present.
(Im the middle aged fool who blurted out dansk to you at the signing and couldn’t respond to your swedish! ……….. My friends all still laugh at how the old man got star struck and the teenage daughter didn’t) thanks for the sense of humor with your response.
can’t wait for the season to start
Dear Freddie: Terribly glad to hear you are returning. Hope people are always supportive of you. You worked hard enough last year for more than 1 season especially when you brought it up a notch for the KC game. You have an obvious personal standard of doing right by people. We will always support you. Welcome back. Love, McAlasdair.
Thank you for your candor and for using your position to stand up for the players who aren’t in your financial situation. If other top players, (Blanco, Donovan, Beckham…) took the same stand maybe the league would think twice about treating players like disposable property. Seattle loves you for your on field mastery and true fans respect your off field courage.
YAY Freddie!! we are happy you will be back in Seattle soon, and are eagerly awaiting the start of the season. Thank you for continuing to speak out. Nothing like a little drama to get everyone talking, but we’d rather be talking about how the team is shaping up. We will all be incredibly relieved when the cba is done and the focus will be on the game and an exciting season 2! Hope it sorts out quickly, fairly and moves the league forward.
While you were skipping out on your teammates, they managed to raise $12,000 for Haiti by making public appearances and soliciting donations from fans. If the team decides to fine you your week’s pay ($50,000) that you are absent in “business discussions”, and donate it to Haiti, that seems appropriate.
Freddie = Seattleite = Very cool
My comments from yesterday were a bit harsh, but spoken from a loyal fan and season ticket holder from the beginning; I couldn’t help but voice my opinion. Certainly the magnitude of this decision must have been a heavy weight on your shoulders – but also a burden for your devoted fans (among others) awaiting your decision. I am beyond thrilled to hear that things have worked in favor for ALL parties.
Whenever you are in the public eye – image is everything. Throughout your career you have been successful (with the assistance of your agent and hard work) to keep a positive image. However what transcends image is sincerity, and I am pleased to hear authenticity in your statement to the media and more importantly your fans about being a Sounder in 2010.
Now, enough talk – I am clearly jonesing for the first game of the season and for the record… I expect our Sounders to kick some major a$$ all season long.
Jen
One thing I’d like to say is that I think it was just fine for Kasey Keller to say what he did /given the information he had/. I wouldn’t begrudge him his words.
Players in leadership positions not showing up unannounced is pretty rough on the team. However, in this case Freddie had (apparently) communicated his status to the team and agreed on a schedule. Keller should have been told about that and I suspect he would have responded properly. He would (should) have been little irritated perhaps – but not pissed off.
My two cents.
Really glad to have you back FL#10!
I’m glad to hear your comin back man! I have season tickets for the Sounders and when i read the articles about you possibly leaving i almost called and got them refunded! Im glad everything was a misunderstanding but i think if Seattle plans on being a major club misunderstandings probably shouldn’t happen. Glad your comin back and I truly hope the Fifa rights come thru. Taylor
Kasey is a joke!! A true leader and captain takes these things internally and gathers all the facts before talking wildly in the media. NO leader skills at all!!!
Hey Freddie – understood, don’t worry about it; we’re just happy to have you back. Looking forward to having your attacking energy on the field in Seattle. Hopefully some of your teammates can pick up on the value of making the defense have to make decisions under pressure. Best – Eric
[...] Freddie Ljundberg hears no strike, the NewYork Red Bulls have paid to and sent their team to Spain, it’s a TSG [...]
Outstanding News that you are on the way back. The energy you bring to the pitch is amazing and the team is not the same without you. The MLS needs to get a clue and come in line with FIFA rules. They want to say they are all FIFA but they don’t want to be FIFA. Maybe in the next contract we can get some FIFA referee’s.
Welcome back Freedie!! Looking forward to a great year.
[...] From Feb 1st I will be with my team in Seattle! – Freddie’s blog [...]
[...] Freddie Ljungberg: “Based on the latest news I’ve heard from both sides, there won’t be a lock out or strike on Feb [...]
I am so glad that you are coming back. You are such a great leader and I have to admit, I was a little sad at the prospect of not seeing you the pitch. Yay!
[...] Sounders star Freddie Ljungberg caused a stir when he mentioned on his blog that he had been assured that there would be no lockout or strike on the Feb. 1 date when the [...]
It wouldn’t have been the same without you! Nobody works as hard as you do on the pitch. See you on the 25th.
My son awoke me with this great news this AM. We are super excited to see you back in Seattle! It is going to be a HUGE year for you and SSFC!
Freddie,
I think it was great that you addressed the issues that started up this week. thank you for clearing it all up! Hopefully everything will go smoothly for you in the next week.
see ya March 25th!
Great news!
Thank you for explaining everything, hopefully MLS pays as much attention to you as all of the fans and change things.
It’ll be amazing to have you back in Seattle!!
Great news!, altough i would have love to see you playing again in Europe.. i hope sounders fans are happy with this! From my long experifanence being a football, there aren’t many players that are truly honest and transparent to their fans. You are and always have been. So good luck this year in Seattle!!
[...] Freddie Ljundberg hears no strike, the NewYork Red Bulls have paid to and sent their team to Spain, it’s a TSG [...]
I think it´s great you are returning to Seattle!I love that city,use to come there a lot ,since I work for SAS and we had non-stop flights going there
from Cph.I bet you miss one too..Right now I´m also enjoying
wintertime in Sweden..one day in New York the next in my cabin in
Orkelljunga;-Good luck this season and have a safe flight!
We are the blue, we are the green, we are the E.C.S and you can hear us scream. welcome home freddie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sounders 2010 mls CHAMPS!!!!!! SOUNDERS FOR LIFE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am super excited to see what you and the Sounders do this year. I’ve been counting down the days until your first match, and think driving a good deal of people at work crazy. Just over 55 days now!
Glad to have you back in Sounder green, Freddie
You are one class act, Freddie Ljungberg! Seattle is damn lucky to have you… I am so jealous!
Can’t wait to see you play again when Tampa Bay fields the Rowdies! (I’ll be the one in Gooner gear!)
Play well, mate!
Sadly, it appears that the Rowdies are not in the MLS. They are in the USL/NASL. Is this like the Coca-Cola League in English football? I suppose I’ll never get to see you play, Freddie. *sigh*
Freddie!! I am your fan number 1 !!! (I went to Stockholm 3 days to meet you, but only when i was already there, i discovered that you were to play football in Switzerland!!
) Now, I thought that you still played in the West Ham, and in these days i was planning to come in London to meet you!!! :’( But i’ve just see that from today you will be again in the Seattle Sounders, so I deleted every idea about my weekend in London!! So, now, 3 questions: (:D)
- When you will be back in London?
- I’m from Italy, will you go to Italy?
- Do you have a personal facebook?
If you have facebook, contact me!!!
Kisses from Milano!!
Freddyyy, i’ve just see your REAL profile on facebook, but I cannot add you!! Add me pleaseee!!! I won’t tell anyone
DDD
ahh well that you have returned to MLS, I’m not sure you have a lot of things to bring to this league and his club … to make the best of the continent, you have great potential as a professional footballer and that is wholly admirable .. not like others who are going to become famous, earn lots of money and go … you are a great person, and humble, it shows that you thank your fans who are there to support …. that makes it much bigger …. once again wish you much success with the new season begins, Karl Fredrik Ljungberg will be a key cog in the Seattle Sounders!
Greetings and kisses from Venezuela
Freddie,
long time, no post. What gives? :p
Lovely to have you back!! Great post.
David at MSL news313
http://mls.news313.com/
Apology, whether required or not, accepted. Now let’s focus on blowing out Philadelphia on March 25th. Thanks for being such a hard working player.
It’s good to hear that you love Seattle. This city has something special in it, way beyond the football pitch. It is young, but has a soul that is so alive. I, like you, have lived all over the world…..but there’s nothing quite like Seattle. (-: Thanks for appreciating the hearts of the fans here. It’s not just passion for soccer…..it’s passion for life. The atmosphere in the stands is a “Holy crap…..we’re so lucky to be alive and here” atmosphere. I love it.
[...] After a day of speculation about his return to MLS and the Seattle Sounders, Freddie has set the record straight. On his blog, he stated that he would be with his team by February 1st. You can read his entire reason for being late to training camp here. [...]
GOOD LUCK!
<33333333333333333333
I LOVE YOU
RIAD WEHBI DOES TOO.