At the same time, there were rumors of four Italian clubs being interested in Ljungberg including Lazio, AC Milan, Roma, and Fiorentina. By the end of August, the transfer window was about to close and Ljungberg was linked to Portsmouth.
On 28 August, Ljungberg's agent told the Swedish press that Ljungberg was continuing to train at his old football club Halmstad BK, but was unsure of his football future. At the end of the transfer window, Ljungberg was linked to AS Monaco.
When Ljungberg declined to join AS Monaco after the transfer window closed, many believed Ljungberg was through with football. But in early September, Ljungberg was seen in New York City during the New york fashion week. This fueled rumors of an imminent retirement.
On 17 October, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported that Ljungberg may be a part of the new Major League Soccer franchise Seattle Sounders FC. On 28 October 2008, Seattle Sounders officially announced they had signed Ljungberg as their Designated player for the 2009 season. Ljungberg has reportedly signed a two-year contract worth $10 million per season.
Much like the contract of David Beckham and as is the norm for professional sports stars in the US, Ljungberg's contract will assure he keeps all of his private endorsement money.
In December 2008, it was announced that Ljungberg would undergo surgery to repair a persistent hip injury that has plagued him throughout his later career.
Surgeons repaired a slightly torn hip labrum and shaved a small amount of bone where the hip meets the femur to prevent future injury. The Seattle times reported that Ljungberg was expected to miss 10–12 weeks of training and possibly be sidelined for the team's inaugural game.
Ljungberg recovered from his hip injury sooner than expected. Although he did not take part of Seattle's preseason in Argentina, he did however do light training with IS halmia.
Once the Sounders returned to Seattle, Ljungberg joined in training. Despite his speedy recovery, Ljungberg did not participate in the inaugural game against New York Red Bulls. However, he did make his debut one week later on 28 March 2009, coming on as a 61st minute substitute in a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake.
The following week he made his first start on 4th of April 2009 against Toronto FC where he also scored his first MLS goal.
Ljungberg played his first full game against Chivas USA in Los Angeles, which they lost 2-0. Ljungberg missed two games against Dallas and Colorado Rapids due to a migraine attack. He quickly recovered to play against Chivas USA.
On 30 May 2009, the Sounders drew their fifth match in a row against the Columbus Crew after Ljungberg missed a penalty shot in the 31st minute. Ljungberg scored his second goal of the season against the San Jose Earthquakes on 13 June 2009 as a result of beating Joe Cannon to the ball, lofting it over him and into the center of the net.
In the 59th minute, Ljungberg's corner kick set up Fredy Montero's goal which led the Sounders to a 2-0 victory. After playing DC United, Ljungberg suffered from some hamstring tightness. Ljungberg did suit up for the New York Red Bull game on 20 June 2009; however, he did not play as a result of the injury.
By Coby Bull
Sources: Sky Sports News, Wikepida, and the Daily Mail.
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