Swedish midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is bypassing a chance to play
in Europe and honoring the two-year contract he signed with the
Seattle Sounders.
In a posting on his Web site on Tuesday, Ljungberg said he
intends on being back with the Sounders on Monday. Ljungberg said
last week that playing in Seattle this season would depend on Major
League Soccer and its players union avoiding a lockout and reaching
a new labor contract before the current deal expires on Sunday.
Ljungberg hinted a new deal could be on the horizon, writing,
"Based on the latest news I've heard from both sides, there won't
be a lockout or strike on Feb 1. So from Feb. 1 I will be with my
team in Seattle trying to help them become the best team in
America."
He was absent from the start of Seattle's training camp on
Monday, seeming to draw the ire of coach Sigi Schmid and goalkeeper
Kasey Keller. Ljungberg's name has been linked with a number of
European teams and the transfer window for clubs in Europe closes
on Sunday.
Ljungberg said the attention from Europe - where he became a
star with Arsenal - was flattering.
"I have handled this situation with the respect and dignity
that the Seattle fans deserve. I don't believe that players should
look to manufacture moves to other clubs by involving the media, as
this is disrespectful to their club and fans," Ljungberg wrote. "I
hope you understand that this situation was out of my control but I
can say that I am truly happy that it has been resolved and I will
be returning to Seattle."
Ljungberg helped Seattle enjoy one of the most successful
first seasons in MLS history in 2009, becoming the first new team
since 1998 to qualify for the playoffs. Ljungberg was also an MLS
all-star in his first season in America.
When he gets to Seattle, he may face discipline from the
Sounders.
"It's not OK. It's something that we'll handle internally as
a club in terms of whether there is fines or anything like that,"
Schmid said. "All of them would like to miss a week. We can't let
them all miss a week. So from that standpoint we've got to hold
them all to a standard."
Ljungberg said his absence was a "communication error due to
the business discussions."
