Seattle Sounders star Ljungberg played with broken hip - for two years!

Seattle Sounders star Freddie Ljungberg has been playing with a broken hip for TWO YEARS!

The injury-hit Swede joined Major League new-boys Seattle Sounders after tearing up a four-year contract at Upton Park last August.

And it was only after Ljungberg, 32, arrived in the US that specialists pinpointed a dodgy hip as the root of his problems.

The midfielder said: “The doctors found out the hip was the reason I had so many hamstring injuries.

“I had an operation and was told it would take up to five months to recover. But I only missed the first three games. I feel very good at the moment.”

Ljungberg signed a two-year £5m contract and has helped Seattle into second place in the MLS Western Conference.

He added: “Coming to America was an adventure. I made the decision on my own without any agents or anyone else — that way, if it all goes wrong I’ve got no one else to blame.

“It is a very exciting time to be playing here, and I am enjoying it very much.

“I certainly have no regrets about leaving the Premier League.”