Freddie Ljungberg Hangs Up His International Boots

Sweden’s captain and object of lust for women all across the globe has decided to call it quits on the international stage and focus on his club. After a fairly disappointing Euros for pretty much everyone with Sweden, it comes as no surprise that the team will attempt to blood in some young players sooner rather than later. But Freddie retiring is somewhat surprising from the point of a distant observer. Only 31, we saw more than a few occasions where Freddie turned back the clock and turned on the jets.

“I have decided to concentrate on my football with West Ham. This is where my priority now lies.

“The moment has come to let some other player take the number 9 jersey. Sweden has a lot of talented players and I am sure my place will be taken by someone who has the same passion for sport as me.

“I have played in the Swedish midfield for almost 11 years. I can honestly say that I have loved every match, especially the boundless support that you, the fans, have always given us, the players…”

Freddie is right, it’s time for Sweden to get younger and, quite simply, better. Their age showed during the tournament and if we learned anything, it’s that the Euros are not a place for old men. (No Country For Old Men is so played out.)

But I don’t think I’m the only one thinking: I’ll only believe it the day after the World Cup 2010 rosters are announced. Footballers announcing international retirements have become the new boxers. “Retirement” is simply a code word for “sabbatical”.