Premier League - Riise wants Anfield stay

Eurosport - Thu, 24 Apr 15:06:00 2008

Champions League own-goal victim John Arne Riise said that he is determined to stay at Liverpool and vowed to put his error behind him.

FOOTBALL 2007-2008 Champions League Liverpool Liverpool-Chelsea Riise - 0

"I hope and still believe in a new contract with Liverpool," Riise told Verdens Gang in his homeland.

"But I cannot say definitely that I have a future here when I only have one year left of my deal and haven't heard anything from the club yet."

Riise, 27, has been at Liverpool since they beat Fulham to his signature in 2001. He has helped the club win the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and Champions League since then.

But the Norway international scored a bizarre own-goal in stoppage time of the 1-1 Champions League semi-final draw with Chelsea at Anfield.

He initially refused to even speak to his own family after the heartbreaking moment, but the following day insisted that he will come back stronger.

"I've learned that it's the way you hit back that matters," the former Monaco left-back said.

"Mentally, I am at my best. I've got my head back in place after a heavy night. I'm going to learn from this."

Riise came off the bench for the injured Fabio Aurelio and his side seemed to have done enough to take a 1-0 lead to London for the second leg.

But in the 95th minute Riise tried to clear a Salomon Kalou cross and diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper.

"I decided to stoop and head the ball in the direction it came from," he explained.

"But it was a swerving cross, the ball was wet, and it slid right off my forehead.

"It was a shock to see it lying in the goal."

The second leg of the semi-final against Chelsea is on Wednesday April 30.

Reda Maher / Eurosport