Freddie Ljungberg returns to Arsenal as Under-23 head coach
In a nine-year spell from 1998 to 2007, the Swede helped the Gunners win the Premier League twice and the FA Cup three times.
Former Swede midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has been appointed as head coach of the Arsenal Under-23 side, the north London club announced on Tuesday.
The 41-year-old, who made 216 appearances and scored 46 for the Gunners, previously coached Arsenal under-15 team during the 2016/17 season. He left the role to become assistant coach to Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga last year.
During his time as a player for the north London side, the Swede helped the Gunners win the Premier League twice and the FA Cup three times.
‘I’m delighted to be returning’ – Ljungberg
Ljungberg returns to the Emirates Stadium after Arsene Wenger ended a 22-year period in charge of the Gunners’ senior team. He has been replaced by the Spaniard Unai Emery.
‘I’m delighted to be returning to the club,’ the Swede said on Tuesday. ‘Arsenal has always been a special place for me and I’m really excited at this opportunity to work with our under-23 team.
‘I look forward to working with the talented young players we have at the club. I know many of them well and will work hard to help them continue developing and become the best players and people they can be.’
The return of an Invincible
Talking about Ljungberg, Arsenal’s Academy manager Per Mertesacker said: ‘It’s great to have Freddie back at the club. He brings great footballing experience and the highest possible levels of enthusiasm, energy and encouragement for our young professionals.
‘He understands the cub’s values and how important it is to give young players the opportunity to grow and develop.’
The former midfielder was part of Arsenal’s Invincibles team which went unbeaten for the 2004 Premier League campaign.
He left the club in 2007 before brief spells at West Ham, Seattle Sounders, Chicago Fire and Glasgow Celtic. He hung up his boots in 2012.