FORMER West Ham United midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has complete his move to newly-elected Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Seattle Sounders.

The ex-Sweden captain, has been out of action since having his Irons' contract paid-up just one year into a three-year deal at Upton Park, has signed a two-year deal with the club bank-rolled by American film mogul Joe Roth.

Ljungberg is believed to have pocketed between £4million and £5million from the agreement and some reports in his native Sweden suggested the player may retire to pursue a career in the fashion or arts business.

But, after four months out of the game, the 31-year-old has today opted to join the Sounders, who will begin their first season at MLS level in March 2009.

The deal was completed following talks at the world's first-ever Starbucks in the city's Pike Place Market on Monday.

Ljungberg spoke of his delight at embarking on a new challenge in the United States.

"Fortunately, I had many opportunities and offers from around Europe and the rest of the world during the last few months, including Seattle to play in MLS," he explained.

"After thoughtful considerations I decided this opportunity with Seattle was the right one for me. Seattle is a great city. I know this part of the world quite well.

"The club itself has such great ambition and the fans over here are very passionate about their team. I am very excited about the potential of the club and cannot wait to start the new season in 2009."

Ljungberg, who scored twice in 26 matches for the Hammers last season, will be the Sounders' "designated player" and is expected to earn around $2.5million (£1.6million).

Among his new team-mates at Qwest Field will be former Millwall and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Kasey Keller.

The club has already sold 17,000 season tickets ahead of its debut MLS season.