Freddie Ljungberg is Coming to Seattle

October 29, 2008

So in my email today, I got an invite to the fan meet-up with Seattle Sounders FC’s new Designated Player. And who is that new Designated Player? None other than Swedish international Freddie Ljungberg.

Because Seattle truly needs more underwear models.

“We looked far and wide for a designated player who would represent the spirit of our team,” said Sounders FC majority owner Joe Roth. “In Freddie Ljungberg, we found it. A proven international star at Arsenal and captain of the Swedish national team, Freddie is the exciting, creative force we need and we are sure the Seattle fans are in for a great treat.”

“Freddie Ljungberg has been an impactful player in the Premier League and international play for the past 10 years,” said Sounders FC General Manager Adrian Hanauer. “His intelligence, his quickness, his bravery, his competitiveness, his experience, will all make Freddie a highly effective player in Major League Soccer.”

(”Impactful”? Argh. I’m citing Hanauer for abuse of the English language. But that’s irrelevant here.)

As a season ticket holder, color me underenthused. Ljungberg is good, sure — he captained Sweden in last summer’s Euros. But it almost feels like they were going through the Beckham checklist:

Played in the EPL? Check.
International? Check.
At the end of his European career? Check
Sexy? Underwear model? Gay icon? Check. Check. Check.

Sign the man!!

Sigh.

Let’s hope it works out better for Seattle.

(At least he’s got the local beverage right.)