Swedish
international midfielder Kim Kallstrom has joined Arsenal on loan from
Russian side Spartak Moscow until the end of the 2013/14 season.
The
31-year-old arrives at Arsenal with a wealth of experience, having made
108 international appearances for Sweden and over 400 club appearances
during his career so far, in which he has played league football in
Sweden, France and Russia.
Kallstrom started
his career in 1999 with Swedish side BK Hacken. After spending two years
at the Gothenburg club, the midfielder moved to Djurgardens IF, where
he won the Swedish League in both 2002 and 2003, together with the
Swedish National Cup in 2002.
Following two years at Djurgardens
IF, Kallstrom moved to France where he spent eight successful years,
firstly with Rennes for two seasons, before moving to Lyon, where he
enjoyed much success.
During his time with ‘OL’, Kallstrom made
over 200 appearances, winning the Ligue 1 title twice (2006/07,
2007/08), the French National Cup twice (2008, 2012) and the French
Super Cup twice (2007, 2008). He was also a regular in the Uefa
Champions League, helping Lyon to the semi-final of the competition in
2009/10.
Vastly experienced at international level, the
midfielder was part of his country’s squads at four major tournaments -
the European Championships in 2004, 2008 and 2012, and the 2006 World
Cup.
Arsène Wenger said: “Kim Kallstrom is a hugely-experienced
player. He is a midfielder with proven quality at both club and
international level. We welcome Kim to Arsenal.”
Kallstrom spoke
to Arsenal Media as he completed the move and said: “Arsenal is an
amazing club with a lot of great players and a coach who has done really
well here for a long time. I am so pleased to come here to learn as
much as possible. I’m here to do my best for Arsenal and to help out the
team, so we can achieve good results for the last part of the season.”
Although
Kallstrom has appeared for Spartak Moscow in this season's Europa
League at the play-off stage, when they were eliminated by Swiss club
St.Gallen, he will be eligible for Arsenal for the remainder of this
season’s Champions League campaign.
Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Kim to the Club and wishes him every success during his time here.



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