Ljungberg infected by his tattoos

Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg has told how he had tests for Aids and cancer to find the cause of a persistent hip injury - but the problem turned out to be caused by his ornate tattoos.

The player had suffered a rare allergic reaction to the ink. This in turn had caused the lymphatic gland in his hip to become inflamed and press on a nerve in his side.

The Swede revealed today how he faced an agonising two-week wait before the test results came in.

He said: "I was frightened. I was tested, but nobody seemed to know what was wrong with me.

"It all happened during a twoweek period. But I am fine now and looking forward to the FA Cup final against Manchester United."

Ljungberg, 28, had to have surgery on the hip to remove the inflamed gland and missed four weeks of the season. He said the ordeal had placed him under a great deal of strain.

"I was very worried. I did not feel sick or ill, but of course I was injured and we did not know why. Eventually the doctors worked out that it was something in the tattoos. I was relieved that they had found out the problem. I am fine now," he said.

The main risk from tattoos is usually infection from hepatitis B or C, and Ljungberg's case is extremely rare.