Photo: Sounders.com

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… Being in camp there is lots of time around the hotel, why it was nice last night when we all went to the NBA game Phoenix Suns vs Portland Trailblazers.

Some of us in the squad plays a friendly tonight, but I am one of the ones resting. Tomorrow we return back home.

That’s all for now from Arizona.
//F

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

Photo: mlsnet.com

Check out below text and link from the MLS site !
//Claes, agent
CAA Sports

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NEW YORK — MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced the 2009 Best XI during his annual State of the League address. The Best XI recognizes the League’s top 11 players at each position on the field – one goalkeeper, three defenders, five midfielders and two forwards. Six members of the 2009 Best XI are prior recipients of the honor, while five have been named to the squad for the first time. The Best XI members received the most votes from the media, MLS players and MLS coaches and general managers.

MIDFIELDER – FREDDIE LJUNGBERG (Seattle Sounders FC)
DOB – April 16, 1977
Citizenship – Sweden

The Swedish superstar made a remarkable recovery from off-season hip surgery while making a smooth transition from the English Premier League to Major League Soccer. Ljungberg, who became Seattle’s first Designated Player prior to the 2009 season, led a dynamic offense with a team high nine assists. His vision and creativity helped spark the Sounders run to the playoffs – only the third expansion team in MLS history to qualify. Ljungberg was named an MLS All-Star in his first season, was MLS Player of the Month for October and was a finalist for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award.