Sweden honours Ljungberg

ARSENAL star Fredrik Ljungberg has been named Sweden’s midfield player of the year.

Former Celtic striker Henrik Larsson, playing for Barcelona, won the top accolade of Swedish player of the year for the second time in his career after winning it in 1998.

Ljungberg’s role in Arsenal’s 49-game unbeaten Barclays Premiership run, during which the Gunners won the league title, was enough for him to see off competition from his midfield countrymen.

But it was Larsson, who scored for Barca on his return to Glasgow in the Champions League this season, who sealed the top honour.

“Thanks to all the people who have helped me win this award,” he said, naming former coach at Helsingborg, Bo Nilsson, and former Sweden coach Tommy Soderberg.

“It’s a pleasure for me to win this prize for the second time.”