Arsenal have suffered a blow after club legend Freddie Ljungberg resigned from his position as first-team coach.
The Swede has played a key role under Mikel Arteta - but the former Gunners player has taken the decision to leave the club to further his coaching career.
Ljungberg has held various positions at the club, including interim head coach following the departure of Unai Emery.
But the club icon will now continue his career away from the Emirates.
Confirming his departure on Twitter, Ljungberg said he was grateful to the club for giving him a chance to develop as a coach but now wants to step up his attempts to become a manager.
'I have decided to leave my first team assistant coaching role at @Arsenal to progress my management experience,' he wrote. 'I have been involved with this club on and off since 1998 and am grateful for all the opportunities they have given me both as a player and as a coach.
'I wish Mikel and all the team every success for the season ahead. Thanks also to the fans for their constant support and for always being by my side. I hope we will all meet again soon.
The 43-year-old played for Arsenal for nine seasons between 1998 and 2007 - making 325 appearances. He went on to play for West Ham and Seattle Sounders before retiring and joining Arsenal as an ambassador in 2013.
Three years later he became part of the set-up at their academy to coach the Under-15s. He had a short spell as Wolfsburg's assistant manager in 2017 before returning to Arsenal the following year - this time taking charge of the U-23s.
In 2019 he was promoted to Emery's first team coaching group before being picked to lead the senior squad on a caretaker basis.
Akechandy
1033
He made it clear "I need to leave and progress my management experience" so I don't see this as a problem....Thank you though for everything and we wish you all the best.
vehcep
830
Ever since Mikel Arteta became Arsenal coach,we never saw Freddie sitting on the coaching bench near the head coach.He was being seen once in a while in the stands.It is clear that Mikel Arteta did not want to closely work with Freddie,hence the frustrations to resign!!Truth be told,nobody will miss Freddie's coaching skills because his Arsenal team was terrible after Emery not until Arteta came in did we start to see thing improving at Arsenal.Now under Arteta,the Gunners seem to be on fire because Arteta and Edu are doing a fantastic job!!All those who do not add value to our current team must leave now!!Thus,go well Freddie!!
JohnWick7
647
This what happens when you're Tired of watching the UCL tournament at home from the Television 😁
SH3012
259
Freddie:-I Wanted Mohamed Salah But You Bought Salah-Eddine?