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John Arne Riise (born September 24, 1980 in Molde)
is a Norway|Norwegian football (soccer)|football
player who currently plays for Liverpool F.C.

Riise has previously played for AS Monaco FC|AS
Monaco and Aalesunds F.K.. 


He made his debut for Liverpool in the European
Super Cup game against Bayern Munich in September
2001, played at the Stade Louis II in Monaco. He
scored a tap-in in the first half from a Michael
Owen cross. Liverpool went on to win the game 3-2,
after leading it 3-0. Riise initially wore the
number 18 shirt, but since the 2004-05 in English
football|2004-2005 season, wears the number 6
shirt, vacated by Markus Babbel.

He went on to score a brilliant solo effort in the
Merseyside derby on the immediate Saturday
following the September 11, 2001 attacks|September
11 atrocities at Goodison Park. Liverpool won the
game 3-1.

In that season of 2001-02 in English
football|2001-2002, he finished with 10 goals in
total for the club, an admirable return for a
player who played at left fullback on many
occasions during the season.

Some of his other more memorable goals have been:

:vs Manchester United: he scored a 20-yard
free-kick on 4 November 2001. The goal was so
exceptional that Liverpool fans still sing a song
about it in his honour.

:vs Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal: Liverpool were enduring
a poor run of results and were 1-0 down to
Arsenal. A superb through-ball from Steven Gerrard
allowed Riise the chance to score from a
one-on-one with Richard Wright
(footballer)|Richard Wright. He produced a very
cool finish under pressure.

:vs Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich: Riise scored two
early goals in this game which came on the last
day of the 2001-2002 season.  Whilst the goals
were of doubtless quality, they are probably
considered most important because Liverpool needed
to win the match to ensure a second-place finish
in the FA Premier League|Premiership.  They went
on to do just that with a 5-0 win.

Riise is renowned for his shooting power on his
favoured left foot and excellent stamina.

He endured what were considered below-average
seasons by most in the 2002-03 in English
football|2002-2003 and 2003-04 in English
football|2003-2004 seasons, but seems to have
rediscovered his form and confidence in the
2004-2005 season, following the appointment of
Rafael Benitez as manager.

During the 2004-2005 season Riise  played an
important part in Liverpool's season, his
achievements include scoring a vital first goal
against Charlton at Anfield, an impressive brace
against West Bromwich Albion away, and a fantastic
volley in the Carling Cup Final against Chelsea
after just forty-three seconds, although Liverpool
eventually lost the Final 3-2 AET. Riise did,
however, achieve the honour of being Liverpool's
top scorer in Premiership away games in that
season.

Riise played in the UEFA Champions
League|Champions League final against A.C. Milan
on 25 May 2005 at the Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadyumu
in Istanbul, Turkey. He played an important part
in Liverpool's come back in the second half having
been 3-0 down in the first. His great cross was
headed in by Steven Gerrard, giving Liverpool some
hope. The team went on to score two more goals
shortly afterwards and won 3-2 on penalties,
though Riise's penalty was saved by A.C. Milan's
goalkeeper Dida.

Riise has also captured the media's attention
outside the pitch. In August 2005 Norwegian
tabloid newspapers revealed that Riise had sent
numerous Short_Message_Service|SMS to different
Norwegian celebrity women with the exact same text
(translated from Norwegian): "Good evening...
After a lot of calling to all kinds of contacts, I
finally got your number. I have always thought you
are very charming, cute, sexy, fantastic aura, and
least but not last, you seem exciting and
challenging;) hope we can get in touch, and I will
of course invite you on a romantic dinner for
two;) kiss from John Arne Riise xxx". This turned
into a big case in the media and gave most
Norwegians a good laugh. Riise has later stated
that he doesn't want to discuss any issues but
football with the press and that he's going to
boycott the Norwegian tabloids Verdens Gang|VG and
Dagbladet.

==Honours==
* 2001/02 European Super Cup
* 2002/03 League Cup
* 2004/05 UEFA Champions League
* 2005/06 European Super Cup