Ljungberg reveals Arsenal disappointment
Former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has been quoted in today's media as saying that he was hurt and angry with the way he was treated during his last season at Arsenal.
The Swedish international said that because of his injuries, he was simply pushed to one side and was put up for sale.
Ljungberg, a favourite amongst Arsenal fans, said: "It's all about my injuries. Wenger simply doesn't like those who show a weakness.
"With him, you generally feel as if you were in the army - it's only in public that he may appear to be some sort of man of liberal views.
"In reality, his belief is natural selection. The truth is I picked up a knock doing my job and following Wenger's instructions.
"I always played like this and, at some point, ran out of luck.
"So while I was being treated for the injury, they went out and found a different player for my position.
"After I recovered, I was given a chance in the typical Wenger way: I was expected to run and intercept and score just the same as before. He just didn't give me enough time to do it properly. I had no time.
"I was offended when all of a sudden I learned from the papers that Wenger was ready to consider offers for me from other clubs. No-one had talked to me about that.
"And also I still feel a bit offended about Arsenal. They showed the door to too many people.
"Why did they let Thierry Henry go? When I found out about his move, I realised that the Arsenal I used to play for was finished.
"So I went to West Ham in order to play against Arsenal as often as possible.
"I wanted to prove that Freddie Ljungberg hadn't had his last word as a player.
"And at West Ham, no one gives you a puzzled look if you get called up for your national team and players are never asked to play on injections.
"I would like to stay there - if they offer of course."
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john quinn
Posted on 5 Jun, 2008 at 11:48 PM - Reply
do not believe this story Freddie would not speak about arsenal or mr wenger in this way .. freddie is a very respectful man ... god the newspapers really know how to twist a interview its very upsetting
P
Posted on 5 Jun, 2008 at 02:30 AM - Reply
Freddie was one of the best at finding space and timing his runs (an undervalued art). The injuries mounted up and his wage packet was too high for a sub and his slowed style did not match the high tempo football Wenger wanted to play - he had to go. Listen to Wengers commnents on his Arsenal dream team he explains how the injuries cut short his Arsenal career.
Nin
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 10:45 PM - Reply
This is a completely made up story by a Russian paper.
Ljungberg has already come out and said he never gave an interview to them and hinted that he may pusrsue further action against the paper that printed it. It may have something to do with Sweden and Russia being in the same group at the Euros.
It's really ridiculous how some paper most have never heard of can make up a story and every sports site and blog run it as though it's fact.
David
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 07:46 PM - Reply
Freddie had a couple of good seasons with Arsenal and many more mediocre ones. He was very fortunate, as a quite ordinary player, to arrive at Arsenal and appear in the same team as highly talented players like Bergkampf, Vieira, Pires and Henry. He was a character but never will be considered a great by Arsenal fans. His record and contribution at West Ham is testament to Wenger's sound judgement
John
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 06:18 PM - Reply
Ljungberg was sold at least a season or three too late, and kept Bentley out of the team. He should have been replaced by Ribery.
Peter
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 06:16 PM - Reply
According to a pressrelease by Freddie he did not say those things. He said to those quotes were made up
The Q
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 05:32 PM - Reply
The image of Arsene Wenger secretly being an iron-fisted manager is hilarious....and very possible.
Quite the delightful image, actually.
Daniel
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 04:54 PM - Reply
West Ham star Freddie Ljungberg has branded as outright lies the reports that he unhappy with the manner in which he departed Arsenal, and in particular his treatment by Arsene Wenger....
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=723176
Some Russian newspaper said that no truth in it PURE NONESENSE!
ceschenry14
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 02:45 PM - Reply
in that case, RVP, Rosicky and Eduardo should be on the 'for sale' list then.
Come on Freddie, that 's how the world works. You can't play for a top 4 team in the PL if you are not at your best.
Menace
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 02:14 PM - Reply
The simple truth is Henry was allowed to go because he lost his moral position. Mr Wenger is always looking for a fully rounded grounded player. Morally, socially and physically you should be an example for an innocent to look up to. He has not let players leave because they have finished their course but because they have wanted to extend their expected boundaries.
Freddy you are an awesome individual and what you have reportedly said is sad. Firstly because Mr Wenger gave you a stage to excel and secondly because you allowed yourself to weaken following injury. Injury is a test to prove your focus. Those who are focussed will excel and improve after injury and not be in a position to complain.
GWelch
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 12:42 PM - Reply
Shame Freddie feels like this because he was always loved buy the fans.... Like everyone else had said, if your not good enough anymore then you will not play for a top club anymore (No offence Hammers) thats why no big club came in to buy you, because the all knew you time had gone. Get over it, you made a lot of money didnt you??? Well then, stop spitting your dummy out!
Julius Nuga
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 11:57 AM - Reply
I think Freddie should move on. He was great for the club. Having harsh words about the manager who was loyal to him when he had injuries was not a good thing to do. With hindsight we should have kept Bentley
delboy
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 10:54 AM - Reply
that's why west ham are crap and arsenal are a top european team freddie. I have never read such self indulgent crap from a player i greatly admired. Do you not think it odd freddie that west ham are trying to do the samr to you now!!!! grow old gracefully fred, your not the player you used to be.
delboy
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 10:54 AM - Reply
that's why west ham are crap and arsenal are a top european team freddie. I have never read such self indulgent crap from a player i greatly admired. Do you not think it odd freddie that west ham are trying to do the samr to you now!!!! grow old gracefully fred, your not the player you used to be.
Pete
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 10:37 AM - Reply
Sorry Freddie but this sounds like sour grapes to me, you haven't exactly set the world on fire for the Hammers and if you put that down to injury, it proves Arsene Wenger right!. So no criticisms now!! go gracefully and remember your good times at Arsenal because you had many and were well appreciated. We loved you Freddie because you had RED HAIR!!
Towser78
Posted on 4 Jun, 2008 at 10:07 AM - Reply
in that case, RVP, Rosicky and Eduardo should be on the 'for sale' list then.
C'mon Freddie, that 's how the world works. You can't play for a top 4 team in the PL if you are not at your best.
and I thot Henry left bcos he wanted to go.....
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At West Ham, no one gives you a puzzled look if you get called up for your national team and players are never asked to play on injections.
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