Freddie Ljungberg leaves Arsenal to 'pursue new opportunities' as he targets managerial role

Freddie Ljungberg will leave Arsenal as he seeks a managerial opportunity elsewhere
PA
George Flood22 August 2020

Freddie Ljungberg is leaving his role as Arsenal assistant coach, the club confirmed on Saturday.

In a statement, the Gunners said Ljungberg was departing Emirates Stadium in order to "pursue new opportunities in the coming season".

The Swede is a popular figure at Arsenal, having made 326 appearances for the club as a player between 1998-2007, winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups under Arsene Wenger.

Ljungberg returned to north London in the summer of 2018 as Under-23s coach, before being promoted to assistant first-team coach under Unai Emery, whose dismissal in November 2019 led to a period as caretaker manager of the senior team before Mikel Arteta's eventual appointment the following month.

The 43-year-old remained at Arsenal as an assistant coach following Arteta's arrival, but will now seek a new position as number one.

Ljungberg has already been linked with several managerial jobs by the Swedish press over recent weeks.

Confirming his Arsenal exit, Ljungberg said: "I have decided to leave my first-team assistant coaching role at Arsenal to progress my management experience.

"I have been involved with this club on and off since 1998 and am grateful for all the opportunities they have given me both as a player and as a coach.

"I wish Mikel and all the team every success for the season ahead. Thanks also to the fans for their constant support and for always being by my side. I hope we will all meet again soon."

Arteta added: "Freddie has been a really important member of my team since my arrival.

"He did a great job picking the team up when Unai left and we all have 100 per cent respect for him as a man and a coach. I know I'll be facing him on the touchline in the future."

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