The Chicago Fire acquired Seattle Sounders FC
designated player Freddie Ljungberg for a conditional selection in the 2011 or
2012 draft, it was announced on Friday.
Ljungberg, who joined Seattle last season from Arsenal of the English Premier
League, becomes the first designated player ever traded in Major League
Soccer.
The 33-year-old midfielder is the Fire's second DP aquisition this season,
after Mexican international Nery Castillo was announced earlier this week.
"Freddie is an exceptional player, with world-class talent and we are
thrilled to have him join the Chicago Fire," Fire Technical Director Frank
Klopas said. "He is a player with an illustrious career and as an attacking
player he will help us towards our goal of bringing the MLS Cup to Chicago."
Ljungberg had fallen out of favor in Seattle after scoring just two goals -
none this season - since joining the Sounders prior to their 2009 expansion
season.
"I have been thinking long and hard about the next step in my career and
I am extremely happy to become the newest member of the Chicago Fire,"
Ljungberg said. "I had a very long and exciting meeting with Fire owner
Andrew Hauptman and technical director Frank Klopas. Their vision and
commitment to this club and to winning championships was extremely
appealing to me. I am looking forward to working with my new teammates,
meeting the passionate fans of Section 8 and becoming an active part of
the community, which has such a strong and successful sports tradition."
Ljungberg will be available for selection in the Fire's next game on Sunday at
the league-leading Los Angeles Galaxy. Per MLS and club policy, terms of the
deal were not disclosed.
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