Hammers signs Ljungberg

West Ham United have signed midfielder Freddie Ljungberg from Arsenal.The Sweden international, 30, had been the Gunners’ longest-serving player after costing Arsene Wenger’s side £3million in 1998 from Halmstads - the fee for his cross-capital move could eventually rise to the same amount.The midfielder played 325 times for Arsenal, scoring 72 goals, but lost his grip on a starting spot last season.

Ljungberg said he left Arsenal because he felt like Henry’s move represented the end of an era.
“Two years ago when I signed my last contract we talked a lot about the future and about bringing great players to the club. Despite building the new stadium we wanted to stay top in England and do well in Europe.For me that didn’t really happen.I stayed because I wanted to stay loyal to Arsenal. But when Henry left this summer it felt like the end for me unfortunately.I felt like all the unbeaten players (from Arsenal’s ‘invincibles’ of 2003/04) had left. I wanted to be loyal but I felt like it was the right time."

But Ljungberg also insisted there were positive reasons behind his decision and insisted he shared owner Eggert Magnusson’s vision.

He said.“I’m coming here because I want to build a great team,and why I want to join is because of Magnusson. He wants to bring them forward to be top of the country.He’s willing to go to the transfer market to buy top players and mix them with youth players. West Ham have a great academy.He wants to help take the club up and take them to the top in England. It’s a big challenge for me.”

Ljungberg claimed it had been a real wrench to leave Arsenal and that manager Arsene Wenger had tried to convince him to stay.

“I’ve been there for nine years, almost 10 years,” he said.“It’s a big thing for me and I feel it in my heart a little bit.“When I spoke to the boss, he wanted me to stay.But at the same time, I feel it had to be something very, very special for me to leave.I want to go forward and, with the people I have around me, I think it’s going to be really good.”

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley believes Ljungberg was lured after seeing the other moves the club have made in the transfer market this summer.

Curbishley said“We spoke to Freddie over the last week and we tried to sell him the club and what we’re about.He’s seen players come in and push us forward.He brings a few things, Champions League experience, captain of Sweden, he’s versatile.There’s a hunger there. He wants to come and push West Ham on and be partly responsible for that.He’s joining another terrific club and that’s the way he’s got to see it.He understands the passion of the club and the passion of the fans and I’m sure he’ll be a big hit here.”