Young Arsenal side have a bright future, says Freddie Ljungberg

Freddie Ljungberg believes Arsenal have a bright future, with the recent signings of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud bolstering Arsène Wenger’s attacking options.

The 35-year-old scored 71 goals in 313 appearances for the Gunners during a nine-year spell at the north London club, and the former Sweden international was part of the last Arsenal side to win the Premier League title in 2004.

Despite Arsenal’s recent struggles, Ljungberg, who still keeps in touch with his former team-mates, believes the addition of a few signings, with deals for Giroud and Podolski already confirmed, will help the Gunners blossom.

“Arsenal is a big part of my life,” Ljungberg told Arsenal’s website. “I’m there quite often and live in London, so it’s important to me.

“I still keep in touch with my old team-mates, too. We’re all great friends, and I actually saw Jens Lehmann down in Munich recently. Most of us still talk a lot to each other.

“I enjoy watching the current team – it’s a young side and will hopefully get better and better. With the addition of one or two good signings, things look bright.”

Ljungberg also heaped praise on former Gunners coach Pat Rice, who announced his retirement this summer after 12 seasons as Wenger’s assistant manager.

“Pat was in charge of the defensive unit and helped the likes of Ashley Cole to develop,” he added.

“He helped us in midfield as well and was an important part member of Arsène’s staff – he did wonders.

“Pat played a big part in incorporating a French culture into an English one and making it work perfectly.”

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