Mumbai City FC confirms signing Arsenal Legend Freddie Ljungberg

Mumbai City FC confirms signing Arsenal Legend Freddie Ljungberg

Mumbai City FC have today announced the signing of former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg as their marquee player for the inaugural season of the upcoming Hero Indian Super League (ISL).

Official Photo

Along with FC Goa, Mumbai too missed the transfer deadine to sign a marquee player even after approaching Icelandic great, Eidur Gudjonsen. Mumbai finally came to a decision of signing Freddie Ljungberg from the central pool.

While the Goan franchise have signed Robert Pires from the pool, Mumbai have snapped up Ljungberg just days after signing Nicolas Anelka.

Ljungberg, is a former Swedish national team captain and a winger who was a vital player in Arsenal's nine trophy years between 1998 and 2007.

He began his career at Halmstads BK before moving to Arsenal and then spent another year in London with West Ham United. His presence in Mumbai City FC's squad will ensure the team has a strong midfield with Ljungberg comfortable playing on either flank.

For several seasons, he played a major role for Arsenal including being a member of the 'Invincibles' along with Bergkamp and Thierry Henry who went on a record-breaking unbeaten run of 49 games. In 2008, Arsenal's manager Arsène Wenger placed Ljungberg 11th in Arsenal Gunners' Greatest 50 Players. For Sweden, Ljungberg has earned 75 caps scoring 14 times.

After joining the Mumbai City FC team, Freddie Ljungberg said, “Mumbai City FC presents a thrilling opportunity to play in India and I’m glad to be part of the team in the very first Indian Super League season. Talented Indian players together with the likes of Anelka, Friedrich, ?movš and others will make the team an exciting outfit and I look forward to contributing to the team’s success.”

Arsenal Fans will get a chance to see the Swede back in action when the ISL kicks off in October right here in Mumbai.