Ljungberg agrees to leave Hammers

Ljungberg started 22 Premier League matches for West Ham

West Ham have released midfielder Freddie Ljungberg after an agreement was reached to terminate his contract.

Former Sweden international Ljungberg, 31, may now decide to retire from football, according to a statement on the club's official website.

He was just a single season into a lucrative four-year deal, having joined the Hammers from Arsenal in July 2007 for a fee approaching £3m.

"This is mutually acceptable," said West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury.

Ljungberg only managed to start 22 of West Ham's 38 Premier League matches last season after enduring injuries that included a cracked rib.

In its statement, the club was keen to stress that the player's fitness was not in question.

Now I will take my time to consider my football future Freddie Ljungberg

"The decision to part company has been taken jointly and has no bearing on Ljungberg's fitness, which he proved during Euro 2008," it read.

"We respect Freddie Ljungberg's position and are pleased we could reach agreement and wish him all the best in the future," added Duxbury.

Ljungberg, who captained Sweden at the European Championship in June before retiring from international football, is also considering offers to play in the United States and Asia.

606: DEBATE Gutted. I know he's obviously on high wages, but he showed glimpses at the end of the season of how good he can be... IronMart

"I gave my all at West Ham and enjoyed my time there but the decision is the best for the both of us," he said.

"Now I will take my time to consider my football future."