Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise has reflected on the emotional weight of leaving Anfield and the lasting regret tied to his departure in 2008. While choosing Liverpool over Fulham at the start of his career was never in doubt, saying goodbye to the Reds proved far more painful than he ever imagined.
As Liverpool prepare to visit Craven Cottage on Sunday to face Fulham, two clubs central to Riise’s journey collide. Although he later represented Fulham, it was his spell at Liverpool that truly defined his career. He revealed that turning down Fulham to join the Reds early on was one of the simplest and happiest decisions he ever made.
Riise eventually signed for Fulham in 2011, but he explained that Liverpool’s interest had already altered his path years earlier, when Jean Tigana attempted to lure him from Monaco to London. At just 20 years old, the opportunity to play for Liverpool was impossible to refuse, and he has never regretted that choice given the unforgettable moments that followed.
During seven seasons at Anfield, the Norwegian left-back made 348 appearances and lifted major trophies, most notably the Champions League in 2005. However, his move to Roma left him feeling there was still more he could have achieved at Liverpool. Writing in a blog in 2015, Riise admitted he believed he could have stayed and fought to regain his place from Andrea Dossena.
He recalled Rafa Benitez informing him of plans to sign a new left-back, making it clear he would no longer be first choice. The conversation took place just days after Riise’s infamous own goal against Chelsea in a Champions League semi-final, although he stressed that the mistake was not the sole reason behind the decision.
Riise described the own goal as emotionally devastating, saying he withdrew into himself and felt he had disappointed his teammates and the supporters. Despite the heartbreak, he spoke warmly of Benitez, expressing only a wish that the manager had been clearer earlier about what was required for him to keep his place. He insisted he would have worked relentlessly to improve if given that clarity. Riise praised Benitez for delivering the greatest night of his career in Istanbul and for playing a vital role in his development as a player.
He also recalled the emotional moment he was told his Liverpool chapter was coming to an end. Called in from training, Riise initially believed the meeting would concern a new contract, with two games left in the season and a year still remaining on his deal. Instead, he was informed that it was time for both sides to move on.
Benitez explained that with Dossena arriving, Riise could remain and compete, but his chances would be limited for several months. Riise even asked to make substitute appearances in the final two matches to reach the milestone of 350 games, but the request was turned down.
After breaking the news to his teammates, Riise left the training ground in tears and phoned his agent in disbelief. After seven years and countless memories at Anfield, the sudden end was overwhelming, though his agent reassured him that a new opportunity would soon emerge.
