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Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg was in UB City, Bangalore when Puma introduced the Arsenal home, away and cup kits for the 2014/15 season.
Fans turned up in numbers, with some travelling by bus from Mumbai, to catch a glimpse of one of the Invincibles in the flesh. Puma are the new sponsors of the Arsenal kit and Ljungberg is a club ambassador and also represents Puma.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Ljungberg talks about Arsenal and his best moments:
You played for Arsenal for a decade. What was your best moment?
The bond that I have made with the fans. It started when I signed for Arsenal. About 5-6 days later I was on the bench against Manchester United.
When fans started singing my name, I was very nervous. I arrived shaking like a leaf and somehow scored a goal. When you join a big club at your 20's, that moment with fans is a feeling you can never forget.
Arsenal had rivalries with many clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Chelsea during your time at the club. Which opponent did you relish playing against the most?
Manchester United has always been our good rivals. So yes, I would say Manchester United.
Who was the most influential player during your time at Arsenal?
Dennis Bergkamp
Can the current Arsenal squad win more trophies? Where do they need to strengthen?
The club was under a financial strain over the past few seasons. But we're back to our natural strength with the big boys now. We have great players in the team.
After the weekend (beating Manchester City in the Community Shield) we are quite happy. After we bought Mesut Ozil last season, there was a lot of positivity in the club. We already have a lot of great players and have bought several more over summer. I’m really looking forward to the season
You are now an Arsenal ambassador. Can you tell us a bit more about your role?
There are a lot of memories at Arsenal. And as the ambassador of Arsenal, I have been working closely with them to develop talent and skills amongst kids at a grass root level.
When you are young is when you develop the skills, developing strength comes later as you grow older.
What are your thoughts on the new Puma kit deal? What was the main reason behind Puma choosing to sponsor Arsenal's kit?
It is a privilege to be associated with PUMA. I have been with both PUMA and Arsenal for a while now and it has been a great journey so far. The reception here has been amazing and it is great to be in India. Each of the three Arsenal kits has a unique design, inspired by the values identified by PUMA as being the foundation of Arsenal Football Club that form the basis of the Future, Forever, Victorious story.
The reason I decided to sign with Puma was because for me the brand was real and matched my personality more than other brands and that is why I have been with them for so long.
What do you think of the Arsenal fanbase in India?
It’s great as a former Gunner to see how loved and celebrated the club is in India. Indian fans know a lot about the club and the Arsenal Tunnel of Time by PUMA is an incredible tribute to the legacy of the club and its ever-exciting Future
The ex-Swedish international launched the new kit and took a few fans through the ‘Tunnel of Time’ – an exhibit with attractions ranging from new kits, boots and the Invincibles trophy from 2003-04.
Here are a few questions he answered for the fans assembled at the event.
You've scored a number of goals for Arsenal. Which was your best goal?
It would have to be the chip against Manchester United.
Who was the best player in the squad during your time at Arsenal?
Dennis Bergkamp.
Can you tell us something about Arsene Wenger.
Arsene is a very intelligent man. He's a very calculating man. For example, he won't scream at the players at half time if we're losing. He would give us a few minutes to calm down and then give us constructive criticism which really helped. We knew when he was angry, but he isn't like the other managers who can really lose their temper.
What are your thoughts on the 2006 Champions League final? Arsenal came so close to winning the trophy. Could they have won if Jens Lehmann wasn't sent off?
A lot of players from that era were disappointed that we couldn't accomplish much in the Champions League. We lost a lot of fixtures on away goals. (Regarding Lehmann's red card) You never know what could have happened.
Arsenal have always managed to qualify for the Champions League. What are their chances this season?
The club was under a financial strain over the past few seasons. But we're back with the big boys now. We've got some great players in the squad.
I'm really excited, and so are the fans. I believe the mentality is a big factor this season and there are a lot of players in the squad with positive belief.
Who is the best player in the current squad?
I love Alexis Sanchez. I wanted the club to sign him after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. I'm glad we did now, even though it was after four years.
Can Arsenal win the League?
I think they'll go for it. They can do it. With a much stronger squad, they can go all the way.
You once coloured your hair red. Who do you think in the current squad should try out that hairstyle?
(Laughs) I don't think anyone in the team is stupid enough to do that.
You visited the Arsenal Soccer Schools in India and spent some time with the kids there. Do you see yourself as a coach?
I'd make an awful coach!
