We Love You Freddie

Newspaper reports linking Freddie Ljungberg with a move in the January window are picking up pace. Depending on what you choose to believe he could be heading for anywhere from AC Milan to West Ham. What is now becoming apparent is that the stories would appear to have some grounding and one of the key components of Wenger’s reign is probably on his way.

Freddie arrived at Highbury from Halmstads for a reported £3 million shortly after playing a key role in a Swedish victory over England. His Arsenal debut set the tone for his stay in North London as he came off the bench to score against Manchester United.

Ljungberg spent his early years contesting a right midfield berth with Ray Parlour, and occasionally filling in across the midfield as required. In 2001-2 he profited from the unfortunate injury to Robert Pires. The Frenchman had been in imperious form as Arsenal swept all before them and his loss in March was thought to be a major headache for the Double winners elect.

The pundits had reckoned without the versatile Ljungberg, who struck up an almost telepathic understanding with Bergkamp and plundered the goals that cemented the Gunners grip on the Premiership trophy. The punk with the red streak in his hair then went on to score in the FA Cup Final defeat of Chelsea, and ‘We love you Freddie’ rang out around the Millenium.

In the last couple of seasons a persistent foot injury has restricted Freddie’s pace and the loss of Bergkamp has limited his effectiveness. That didn’t stop the Swede from producing two of his finest performances in last seasons Champions League as a box to box midfielder in Madrid, and again in the Final against Barcelona.

If Freddie does leave in the window there will be mixed feelings amongst the Arsenal faithful. Restricted or not, Freddie is now Arsenal’s longest serving player, and another experienced head would be lost to an exciting young squad. Whatever happens he will leave with the best wishes, and gratitude, of Arsenal supporters the world over.