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

Just reading in Seattle Times that SSFC coaches doesnt know about my arrival, which surprises me.

Yesterday morning, before the Sounders FCs training we agreed with GM Adrian Hanauer about my future.

Just wanted to give u guys an update, more info to you will follow shortly.

Thanks // F

This winter I am spending a lot of time in the Swedish mountains and Åre as the resort is called, and which is the perfect place for me.

I’m having a great time and at the same time doing my personal pre-season training before joining the team. Doing some boarding in the mornings, then lots of running, sprinting and going to Gym followed by another 3 hours boarding in the afternoon. As you understand I absolutely love snowboarding, check out the picture a friend of mine took the other day.

I have excellent support up here with local physio therapists that looks after my body. I have actually the hard way found out how important it is to have professionals to look after you while training hard, especially during pre-season and this gets more and more important for every year.

During the winter there has been some reports in media about teams in Europe asking for my service, and as a Player it is always an honour when top teams are interested and evidently this shows that MLS these days is a very reputable League.

I have not made any final decision about the spring as a lot depends on the outcome of the new CBA and lockout threat in MLS.

Stay tuned.

//Freddie.

I know Hasse Backe very well. He has great knowledge about the game. He was one of the 3 people I wanted to become swedish coach, when the job was up for grabs this year. If he can adapt to transfer and budget differences then he will be a great success. He is a top draw manager.

I purposely haven’t written much lately since I have been travelling and not been carrying my Macbook, I also wanted to forget about the world for a little bit… I will get back to you guys soon. To give you a clue, I have been just 3 feet away from a male lion…

// F

For the first time in ten years, I’m in the Swedish mountains with my family to celebrate a proper white Christmas. It is very white but a bit cold. Yesterday, It was -18 degrees Celsius when I took the dog for a walk. But it’s great being with my family and I hope that everyone else is having an amazing Christmas.

And remember, be extra generous and show a lot of kindness to each other during Christmas. If there is anything you can do to help less fortunate people regardless what it is or how small. Please do.

Merry Christmas everyone!
//F

Been home in Halmstad Sweden for a while after a very nice trip to London meeting a lot of old friends.

Last weekend I was out having a great time at my Restaurant / Nightclub and really want send a big thanks to my great friend Abbe for creating an outstanding atmosphere at “Gaston´s”!

It’s really nice to be back home for a while spending time with my family and friends, and my dog Amadeus really enjoy the weather with lots of snow and minus 10 Celsius.

// Freddie