Ljungberg ends spell with S-Pulse

Former Sweden and Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has left Shimizu S-Pulse by mutual consent after just six months at the Japanese J.League side. Ljungberg, 34, made the move to the Far East in September but admitted today that S-Pulse was "not the right project" for him. "I loved my time in Japan, and I am grateful to have had the chance to live in Japan and embrace the Japanese culture," Ljungberg said. "However, after a long thought-out process and discussions with my family, I felt... this was not the right project for me. "Different ambitions combined with not having the opportunity to participate in the Champions League 2012 edition were my main reasons to explore other options." Ljungberg, who has also had spells with West Ham United, Celtic, Seattle Sounders and Chicago Fire since leaving Arsenal in 2007, parts ways with S-Pulse after just eight league appearances. "There were some differences in vision causing the mutual termination between S-Pulse and Fredrik Ljungberg," the club said in a statement. "S-Pulse would like to compete in the 2012 season with players and staff who share common vision and goals."