Freddie not ready to fade away
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Freddie Ljungberg has no intention of becoming the latest Arsenal veteran to fall victim to Arsene Wenger's relentless focus on youth.
In the past two years, The Gunners' longest-serving player has seen experienced team-mates such as Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires, Sol Campbell and Lauren all make way for the precocious bunch of youngsters fostered by the French boss.
Reports in January suggested that Ljungberg was close to joining that illustrious list, with West Ham and various Italian clubs mooted as possible destinations for the player who moved to North London in 1998.
Impressive performances from Alexander Hleb and Tomas Rosicky had put considerable pressure on the Swedish international but he returned from a two-month lay-off to score a crucial goal in the 3-1 FA Cup win over Bolton on Wednesday night.
Whilst Ljungberg is pleased to see young talent emerging at Emirates Stadium, the two-time Premiership winner insists he is not ready to step into the shadows just yet.
"It's a good thing that we have such a lot of really good young players, but I've been here for nine years and I'm feeling quite good," said Ljungberg.
"The young players are doing really well. Arsene always puts them in for the Carling Cup and I think that's a great way of doing it, because it gives the players vital experience.
"They've played very well in those games this season to reach the final. And we're pleased to be doing so well in the FA Cup, Carling Cup and Champions League."
The Gunners face Blackburn in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday after seeing off Bolton, and Ljungberg admits it felt special to make a scoring comeback in a competition he has a special affinity with.
The Swede has won the prestigious competition three times, as well as scoring in two separate finals, and Ljungberg is now looking to help the club win some more silverware after returning from a two-month absence.
"I've been in England a long time and you really get a feeling for the FA Cup," added Ljungberg. "I've played in four finals and it's very, very special. It's a very special feeling when you score in the FA Cup.
"I wanted to get back quickly from my hamstring problem but when I did, I broke down again and had to take it easy.
"It's been very boring and frustrating being out injured, but when you come back and score it makes it all worth it." -
Arsene Wenger abit psycho.. mix youth n experienced members good wat.. y muz flush all the exp ones out.. macham like 30 yr old is plague lidat.
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Since Wenger wants to flush the experienced players, than i have no choice but to say, "the gunners are the youth United Nations"..Originally posted by Gackt247:Arsene Wenger abit psycho.. make youth n experienced members good wat.. y muz flush all the exp ones out.. macham like 30 yr old is plague lidat. 
Cheers,
turbo -
I hope ljunberg will return as good as his "red hair" days.
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And hope he doesn't get any injuries anymore..Originally posted by felirox:I hope ljunberg will return as good as his "red hair" days. -
Aiya.. injured n sidelined means more CK thong advert lobangs mah..
