John Arne Riise, something of a cult hero among Liverpool fans
during his seven successful years at Anfield, left the club in the
summer for AS Roma as it became clear his first-team opportunities
under Rafael Benitez would become increasingly restricted following
the manager’s transfer dealings.
Now Riise has written the following letter, published on
Liverpool’s official website, liverpool.tv, to the Reds fans with
whom he was so popular…
“Dear fans of Liverpool FC,
“After seven seasons at Anfield, it's time for me to "walk on". In
many ways it feels inspiring and exciting to be familiar with the
pressure of a new employer, meet new fans, meet a new culture and
play a new kind of football. I look forward to this new adventure,
but I travel with a loss.
“Because, it's not easy for me to leave you - the world's best
supporters! I've been thinking about this almost every day this
summer. After seven wonderful seasons, and more than 340 matches
for Liverpool, I never had the opportunity to make a real and
proper goodbye with you - the world's most motivating fans. You
have always supported me and the team and I want you all to know
how important you've been to me and the other players.
“I've been giving my "thank you" to the club, the staff and the
players and they'll always have a special place in my heart. And
this is my thank-you letter to all the fans out there that have
been supporting me during these years. I will follow the team
closely from Italy and will stay in touch with many of the players
and many of my friends in Liverpool.
“With respect to the many hundreds of great moments I have
experienced in red, it will be unfair to draw up one highlight
rather than another. There has always been the highlight of wearing
the red shirt at Anfield. It's always been a privilege to have the
initials LFC on the space closest to the heart. As you all know I
was a player who always, no matter what, gave 110 per cent in every
training session and every game. I always tried to give you the
entertainment you deserved. Even in the bad moments you were there
for me and the team.
“To play in front of the red crowd, every minute has been a
privilege. Even after my unfortunate own goal against Chelsea in
the Champions League semi last April - where all our dreams were
crushed - I felt the support and sympathies from you as real and
important. When I signed seven years ago, I couldn't in my wildest
dreams expect the journey you all gave me. I will always be
grateful for that. A big thank-you to you all.
“I'm 100 per cent sincere when I say that I will always remember
all the great moments we've had and you - our fans - have such
great importance for these great matches and great moments.
Liverpool FC will have a lot more great moments like this in the
future and I hope that I will experience great things with my new
team - AS Roma. I hope you will continue to follow my career.
“Therefore, I do not say goodbye, but so long. Arrivederci - Walk
on!
Sincerely,
John Arne Riise
"The ginger".