Mumbai City FC have officially confirmed the capture of former Sweden and Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg, who is their marquee signing for the upcoming Indian Super League.
Although the news of Ljungberg's move to Mumbai was reported on 2 September, the signing was yet to be officially announced, with both parties chalking out the finer details of the deal.
Now after everything has been finalised, Mumbai City, who just recently announced the signing of former France international Nicolas Anelka, have confirmed the signing.
"Mumbai City FC is immensely proud to sign a player like Freddie Ljungberg today," Mumbai co-owner Ranbir Kapoor told ISL's official website.
"As a former Sweden captain and Arsenal great, the world football fraternity understands what he is worth and I'm sure Mumbai's football fans will be delighted with his presence in the team."
The 31-year-old Bollywood actor is confident that the Swede will not only lead Mumbai City to glory in the upcoming season of the inaugural ISL, but also improve the overall quality of Indian football.
"He will enrich us with his talent and experience and we look forward to seeing him making Mumbai proud in the coming season," he said, adding, "Ljungberg is capable of not only making Mumbai proud but further thrilling football fans all across the country with his beautiful game."
The 37-year-old Swede, who had announced his retirement from football on 24 August 2012 after terminating his contract with Japanese side Shimizu S-Pulse, also expressed his delight at the prospect of playing for Mumbai City in the Indian Super league.
"Mumbai City FC presents a thrilling opportunity to play in India and I'm glad to be part of the team in the very first Indian Super League season. Talented Indian players together with the likes of Anelka, Friedrich, Čmovš and others will make the team an exciting outfit and I look forward to contributing to the team's success," Ljungberg told ISL's official website.
Ljungberg started his footballing career in 1994 with Swedish side Halmstads BK, before signing for Arsenal in 1998. The Swede found a lot of success with the Gunners, helping them lift three FA Cups and two Premier League titles during his nine-year spell (1998-2007) at the North London club.
He was also the part of the 2003-04 Arsenal squad, who were nicknamed 'The Invincibles' after remaining unbeaten in the Premier League that season.
After he left Arsenal in 2007, Ljungberg had some brief spells with West Ham United, Celtic, MLS sides Seattle Sounders and Chicago Fire and Japanese club Shimuzu S-Pulse.
