The 32-year-old former Arsenal and Sweden star did not report to the Sounders on Monday for the start of pre-season training, citing concerns about an ongoing labour dispute between MLS and its players' union.

With a possible lock-out of players by the league looming as soon as next Monday if the MLS and MLS Players Union cannot successfully conclude negotiations on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement to replace the CBA which expired at the end of last season, Ljungberg had been looking at playing options back in Europe.

Seattle's highest-paid player, Ljungberg on Friday wrote on his official blog: "I have not made any final decision about the spring as a lot depends on the outcome of the new CBA and lockout threat in MLS."

When Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid and team captain Kasey Keller both reacted angrily to his absence from pre-season training, Ljungberg claimed through his blog the had informed general manager Adrian Hanauer he would be absent.

Tonight he published another entry confirming he would return to the club for the final year of the MLS contract he signed at the end of 2008 having been released by West Ham United.

"A lot of very good clubs in Europe have shown an interest in me this winter and that is always a nice feeling and very flattering," Ljungberg wrote.

"I have handled this situation with the respect and dignity that the Seattle fans deserve. I don't believe that players should look to manufacture moves to other clubs by involving the media, as this is disrespectful to their club and fans.

"I hope you understand that this situation was out of my control but I can say that I am truly happy that it has been resolved and I will be returning to Seattle."

Ljungberg said he had feared a potential lockout would cause him to miss an entire season.

"Reality is that I'm 32-years-old," he said. "I can't on a personal note sit out a year and not play, I love the game and want to play my last years of my career, especially when so many great clubs have shown an interest."

The Swede added he would return to Seattle to start training on February 1 and he apologised to the Sounders fans for the speculation.