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Seattle Sounders FC transfers midfielder Erik Friberg to Sweden's Malmo FF
Seattle Sounders FC has announced the transfer of Swedish midfielder Erik Friberg to Malmo FF in his native country.
Dec 12, 2011 6:54:00 PM
By Nick Rosano
Steve Dykes
Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Erik Friberg has been transferred to Swedish outfit Malmo FF, the team announced Monday. Per league and club policy, the terms of the transfer were not disclosed.
Friberg returns to his native country after one season with the Sounders in MLS, and scored one goal and two assists in 26 regular season appearances.
"Erik is starting a young family, and he feels it would be best to do so close to home," said Sounders FC General Manager Adrian Hanauer. "This move enables the couple to be near their families and have the proper support."
Prior to joining Seattle, Friberg had played his entire career in Sweden, and will now have the opportunity to play for one of the most storied clubs in his country – Malmo has claimed 19 Swedish championships and is the only team from that country to have reached the final of the UEFA Champions League (in 1979, when it was still known as the European Cup).
The 25-year-old midfielder declared himself open to the possibility of returning to Seattle in the future.
"I am very proud to have played for Sounders FC and our tremendous fans," said Friberg. "It's been a fantastic year for me, one that I will never forget. I want to thank my teammates, the coaches, the club officials and our supporters for all their help and encouragement. Perhaps in the future, there will be an opportunity for me to come back and play again for the Sounders."
Friberg returns to his native country after one season with the Sounders in MLS, and scored one goal and two assists in 26 regular season appearances.
"Erik is starting a young family, and he feels it would be best to do so close to home," said Sounders FC General Manager Adrian Hanauer. "This move enables the couple to be near their families and have the proper support."
Prior to joining Seattle, Friberg had played his entire career in Sweden, and will now have the opportunity to play for one of the most storied clubs in his country – Malmo has claimed 19 Swedish championships and is the only team from that country to have reached the final of the UEFA Champions League (in 1979, when it was still known as the European Cup).
The 25-year-old midfielder declared himself open to the possibility of returning to Seattle in the future.
"I am very proud to have played for Sounders FC and our tremendous fans," said Friberg. "It's been a fantastic year for me, one that I will never forget. I want to thank my teammates, the coaches, the club officials and our supporters for all their help and encouragement. Perhaps in the future, there will be an opportunity for me to come back and play again for the Sounders."
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