New Hammer Freddie lays into Arsenal

Ljungberg moved to Upton Park for an initial £2million — with a further £1mdependant on performance-related factors — signing a three-year, £60,000-a-week deal.

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Ljungberg, holds up his new Hammers shirt, with chairman Eggert Magnusson

But the Sweden captain was adamant that broken promises about player recruitment, and not money, prompted him to quit Arsenal after nine successful seasons.

He said: "Two years ago, when I signed my last contract at Arsenal, we spoke about the future and I was told they would be bringing in a lot of big players to stay top in England and in Europe — but it never really happened.

"I stayed loyal to the club because I wanted to do it with Arsenal. But this summer it felt like the end for me. I felt it was time to go and now I want to help build a great team here at West Ham.

"I had great memories and great years at Arsenal. Arsene Wenger wanted me to stay and it had to be something really special to get me to leave. West Ham are special."

Such words from a former favourite, who scored 72 goals in 325 games after a £3m move from Halmstad in 1998, are sure to hurt Arsenal.

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'I stayed because I wanted to stay loyal to Arsenal. But when Henry left this summer, it felt like the end for me unfortunately'

West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has certainly backed manager Alan Curbishley, with Ljungberg's capture taking spending this summer to £22.5m after the arrivals of Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy and Julien Faubert.

Arsenal themselves have strengthened with Eduardo da Silva, Bakary Sagna and Lukasz Fabianski.

But the departures of Thierry Henry and former vice chairman David Dein have left Ljungberg with the sensation his new side could soon outstrip Arsenal in the fight for honours.

He said: "That's definitely the way I see it. The chairman here is very willing to make this club very big, to reach the top. That is why I wanted to join.

"I am one of the very last of the unbeaten side of three years ago to leave Arsenal. The time between being part of that team and the break-up has gone very quickly.

"We let a lot go at Arsenal. When Thierry left, I felt it was time for me to go as well and go somewhere with a new challenge. What has been going on at Arsenal over the last few months has not been easy.

"I am here to take West Ham forward and to the top. The chairman has told me West Ham are willing to go back into the market and get top players. You need experience to win titles and the Premier League is the most difficult in Europe."

Ljungberg has been troubled by ankle, groin, hamstring and knee injuries. But Curbishley feels he has a player whose winning mentality can transmit to the rest of a squad striving to erase memories of last season's relegation battle.

He said: "Freddie needs a challenge and a lift and he is getting that here. I want goals out of Freddie, I want him to make goals as well.

"But I especially want him to enjoy himself here. This is another adventure for him and when he gets in front of the Upton Park crowd he will know he is really a West Ham player."

Curbishley has been promised more money, with Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen, Reading's Nicky Shorey and Newcastle's Kieron Dyer all targets.

Magnusson is also keen for a resolution to the wrangle over Carlos Tevez's transfer to Manchester United.

Referring to yesterday's meeting of representatives from FIFA, the FA and the Premier League in Zurich, he said: "I hope there is a solution, the sooner the better.

"Tevez is our player but he wants to play in the Champions League. I think he will be leaving soon."