Ljungberg Signs with Sounders; Tackles Thierry Henry Rumors

The Seattle Sounders will announce the signing of Swedish winger Freddie Ljungberg later today at Qwest Field. The 31-year-old is reportedly signing a deal which will pay him $2.5 million a year for two years. Ljungberg will become the Sounders "Designated Player" which by MLS rules, allows each team an exemption from the league's salary cap.

The rule is often called "the Beckham Rule" since it was widely believed to have been created by the league in order to allow megastar David Beckham to join the MLS in 2007. Since each team is only granted one exemption, the Ljungberg signing likely brings to an end the long-running rumor that French footballer (and Ljungberg's former Arsenal teammate) Thierry Henry was poised to join the team, which begins play in March.

On the field, Ljungberg starred at Arsenal in the English Premier League from 1998 to 2007. Last year, he signed a massive 4-year deal with West Ham United, only to be bought out of the contract for over $10 million earlier this year after only one season with the Hammers. Ljungberg has also featured with the Swedish national team, captaining the squad in the 2006 World Cup and in Euro 2008, retiring from international play after battling injuries.

Off the field, Ljungberg has garned fame for his role as a Calvin Klein underwear model. In 2005, Ljungberg battled a lingering hip problem, which at one point was rumored to have been a result of cancer. However, the malady was determined to be caused by an infection from an allergic reaction from some recently applied tattoos. He also sported a red streak in his hair early in his career.

Thankfully, Perez Hilton, the nation's arbiter of good taste and soccer has weighed in on the news. "He's smokin hot!"

Is this town big enough for both Freddie and Ichiro? Stay tuned.

The press conference is at 11 a.m. and the Sounders will be hosting a free meet-and-greet at Qwest Field at 5 p.m.