Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has paid tribute to John Arne Riise following the completion of the Norwegian's move to Roma.The 27-year-old left-back secured a £4million switch to the Italian giants on Wednesday night after seven years at Anfield.
Riise made 347 appearances for the Reds, scoring 31 goals, and was a key member of the side that won the Champions League in 2005 and FA Cup the following year.
Parry told the club's website: "John has been a tremendous servant to Liverpool over many years and has played a key role in all of our recent triumphs.
"Everybody at Anfield would now like to wish him all the best in his new career in Italy."
Riise was signed from Monaco by former manager Gerard Houllier in 2001 and, aided by his powerful shot, soon established a reputation for scoring spectacular goals.
The highlights in his first season included a derby strike against Everton and a ferocious free-kick when Manchester United visited Anfield.
He also netted the fastest Carling Cup final goal of all time, after 45 seconds against Chelsea in 2005, and stunned the same opponents in the FA Cup semi-finals a year later.
His 2006-07 season was overshadowed by a controversial clash with then team-mate Craig Bellamy at a training camp in Portugal, for which the Welshman was disciplined.
Both players put that matter behind them with the goals in a famous win over Barcelona at the Nou Camp the following week.
Riise, however, endured an indifferent final season at the club, the nadir being a late own goal in the last minute of April's Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea.
His departure could be one of several from the club as boss Rafael Benitez reshapes his squad this summer, with Peter Crouch, Xabi Alonso and Scott Carson also linked with moves elsewhere.
Riise, who has signed a four-year deal with Roma, is likely to be replaced by Udinese left-back Andrea Dossena.
A £7million deal for the 26-year-old Italian is thought to be close to compltion.
More Football News from TEAMtalk
Comment 1 - 5 of 5
cant understand why risse was sold while the donkey derby at liverpool continues with the likes of voronin,pennant,benayoun, iwould have given these three away for nothinf and kept risse who marvelled in playing for the club,rafa sought it out or get on your bike,only top two will do from now on.
risse has brought quality footbaal to the liverpool side he will be missed at the club good luck john. LIAM
good luck john thanks for the sevon years one of the best
dear gentlemen at liverpool,you destroyed the old dressing setup and brought management without bringing the league title.so restart it by bringing in players who have been loyal to liverpool.Like rushie,thompson,wright,alen hansen,of this quality is needed than this generation of misfits you bring.
gudluck to you riise...
we all liverpool fan wish u all the best...
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account