Freddie Ljungberg’s son has signed for the Arsenal academy, with the former Gunner confirming the decision on social media.

Per Mertesacker and Freddie Ljungberg with Raphie Ljungberg as he signs for the Arsenal academy (Photo via Ljungberg on Instagram)
Per Mertesacker and Freddie Ljungberg with Raphie Ljungberg as he signs for the Arsenal academy (Photo via Ljungberg on Instagram)

Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg posted on Instagram on Thursday morning to confirm that his son Raphie has signed for the Gunners’ academy.

“Today is a proud day for our family as Raphie has joined the Arsenal family,” Ljungberg wrote. “Now enjoy the ride my son.”

Ljungberg and his son were pictured alongside Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker signing the youngster’s first contract.

Per Mertesacker shakes hands with Raphie Ljungberg as he signs for the Arsenal academy (Photo via Ljungberg on Instagram)
Per Mertesacker shakes hands with Raphie Ljungberg as he signs for the Arsenal academy (Photo via Ljungberg on Instagram)

Freddie Ljungberg spent nine years with Arsenal as a player, winning two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and one Community Shield (then known as the Charity Shield).

Those trophies include the 2003/04 unbeaten Premier League campaign, as well as the 2001/02 FA Cup in which he scored against Chelsea in the final.

Ljungberg was also named Premier League Player of the Season in Arsenal’s 2001/02 title-winning campaign.

Arsenal's Swedish Interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 15, 2019. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 15, 2019. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Since his playing career ended, Ljungberg has managed the Arsenal u23s, as well as briefly taking charge of the Arsenal first team on an interim basis.

It seems we’re now set to enter the next chapter of Ljungberg’s Arsenal story, with his son following in his father’s footsteps by playing for the same club.