Shoot! would like to wish former Sweden international midfielder Freddie Ljungberg many happy returns as he celebrates his 41st birthday this evening.

Ljungberg, who joined Arsenal back in 1998 from Swedish outfit Halmstads BK, became a Gunners great at Highbury after nearly a decade in North London.

The midfielder scored 71 goals in 321 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League side, before agreeing a move to London rivals West Ham United in 2007, and then moving onto the likes of Seattle Sounders, Chicago Fire, Celtic, Shimizu S-Pulse and Mumbai City.

As well as representing his country 75 times, including playing for Sweden at three UEFA European Championships and two FIFA World Cups, Ljungberg lifted six honours at Highbury, as well as winning numerous individual gongs for his star studded service as Arsenal’s No.8.

Having become one of the most loved players at the club during his playing days, the Swede returned to North London in July 2016, to coach the Gunners’ Under-15 side, before leaving once again to become an Assistant Coach at Bundesliga club Wolfsburg.

Nevertheless, having been voted 11th in Arsenal.com’s Gunners’ Greatest 50 Players of all-time, Shoot! is celebrating Ljungberg’s birthday by putting together five of the winger’s most defining moments of his Arsenal Career in Pictures. Enjoy!

Super Swedish Signing

Ljungberg secured a £3m move to Arsenal from Halmstads BK in 1998, despite receiving reported interest from the likes of FC Barcelona and Chelsea, too.

It is understood that manager Arsene Wenger gave the club the green light to sign the Sweden international after watching the midfielder star against England in a UEFA Euro 2000 qualifier on TV!

Despite the Frenchman never watching Ljungberg in the flesh, the Halmstads BK signing proved a bargain at £3m for the next nine years.

Dream Debut

One immediate highlight that proved Ljungberg’s worth was the fact the midfielder scored on his debut.

The Swede climbed off the bench late on, replacing striker Nicolas Anelka, to net the third and final goal against Manchester United in the Gunners’ 3-0 Premier League win at Highbury.

Double Trouble

Having already bagged an FA Community Shield in 1999, Ljungberg went on to lift his first major honours in North London during the 2001-02 season, as Arsenal completed the double.

Wenger’s side finished seven points clear of runners-up Liverpool in the English top-flight table, before defeating Chelsea 2-0 in the FA Cup final inside Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Ljungberg ran from the halfway line, sprinted past The Blues’ frail defence, before curling a sublime effort into the far corner to double Arsenal’s lead. His 77th minute strike gave goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini no chance in the Chelsea net.

Ray Parlour’s opener wasn’t bad, either! Stunners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGNXw64IQjs

Arsenal’s Invincibles 2003-04

Ljungberg played a key role in Arsenal’s remarkable 49-game unbeaten run, as The Gunner’s went the entire 2003-04 Premier League season unbeaten to lift the club’s 13th league title, and most recent to date.

He scored 10 goals in all competitions for Wenger’s champions that term, who finished 11 points clear of second-placed Chelsea at the summit.

Final farewell

After nine years at Arsenal, Ljungberg joined London rivals West Ham United on a four-year contract, in a deal worth up to £3m.

The midfielder scored two goals in 28 games overall for the Hammers, including two starts against his former Arsenal team mates.

However, Ljungberg agreed to terminate his contract with West Ham in August 2008, reportedly for a £6m fee.