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Swedish midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg reacts during the Euro 2008 Championships Group D football match Russia vs. Sweden on June 18, 2008 at the Tivoli Neu stadium in Innsbruck. Ljungberg has announced his retirement from international football, the country´s TT agency reported on Friday. |
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STOCKHOLM (AFP) - Sweden captain Fredrik Ljungberg has announced his retirement from international football, the country's TT agency reported on Friday.
The 31-year-old former Arsenal midfielder said it was becoming physically too difficult to play for both West Ham and the national team. Ljungberg played his first match for his country back in 1998.
"I have decided to concentrate on my football with West Ham. This is where my priority now lies," Ljungberg said.
He competed in three European championships and two World Cups with the Swedes, before being named captain after the 2006 World Cup.
"The moment has come to let some other player take the number 9 jersey. Sweden has a lot of talented players and I am sure my place will be taken by someone who has the same passion for sport as me," he added.
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Discuss- Add comment
Tontodonati June 28th, 2008 01:12
I am sick and tired of hearing about those disloyal soccer players quitting their national team at the age odf 30, 31 or 32! I would have given my life to play even one time for my national team (Italy), but those overrated and overpaid loosers think they have achieved the apex of their career by winning nothing and by getting a lot of money for it! Come off it! Do you fans agree with me or are you just as wimpy as those players?Tontodonati June 28th, 2008 01:47
I do not see any response from Sweden's fans. Are you guys just as much losers as you captain is?krazy4footy June 28th, 2008 05:13
Everyone has different priorities in life. He played for his country for TEN years and has been a strong leader for two. You are in no place to fault him for that. He feels that he would be too stretched and do his country, his team and himself a disservice by continuing. Would you rather him put in crappy performances or continue to play good football? I vote for the second. Stop living in dreamworld Tonto!ajax72 June 28th, 2008 05:42
I don't see any response from tonto. krazy4footy got you right beteween the old eyes. You just met your match you big mouth.BesTalentScout June 28th, 2008 07:20
Tonto.........only people who don't play for their national teams will say they'll die to play for the national team..........LOL
Jamiro June 28th, 2008 11:57
Well, here's one swedish point of view..All the injuries he's had during the last couple of years is an obvious example that he has pushed his body too hard. It's a shame that he decides to quit since he is one of the top players, but I have no trouble in understanding his decision. There are players in the Swedish national team that, to me, are better leaders than Freddie (like Tobias Linderoth), and his decision to quit will give Sebastian Larsson the chance to take a place in the starting eleven, and everyone who watched Birmingham last season knows what he can do..
Tontodonati June 28th, 2008 15:04
I was waiting foryour replies before I could respond. I do have a big mouth because I have a big heart! Players of all sports make too much money and they lose sight of the reality of life. The major reason players quit their national team is that they make far more money playing with clubs. As that old English proverb goes: "Money talks. Honor walks!" Do you sill think I live in a fantasy world?ajax72 June 28th, 2008 17:06
Quote: "The major reason players quit their national team is that they make far more money playing with clubs". Unquote. Will you please explain how playing for the national team will interfere with making money from playing for a club? Thanks.Tontodonati June 28th, 2008 17:35
Ajax72, thank you! You just proved my point, for they can do both if playing for clubs doesn't interfere with playing for the national team!