Liverpool legend comes out of retirement aged 42 and SCORES on debut for new club in typical manner
A LIVERPOOL legend made a shock return out of retirement last week – and celebrated his comeback by scoring.
This 42-year-old is best known for his seven-year spell at Anfield from 2001.
During that period his rocket left foot produced numerous memorable goals as he went on to claim a host of honour with the Reds.
The Norwegian full-back lifted the Champions League trophy in 2005 to add to his two League Cups, two Uefa Super Cups and FA Cup at Liverpool.
After leaving for a three-year stint at Roma, this ace returned to the Premier League to play for Fulham in 2011.
He then went on a journey across the globe to wind down his playing career with moves to Cyprus and India as well as spells back in the lower leagues in his homeland.
He then moved into coaching after retiring in 2017 and is currently in charge of women’s side Avaldsnes IL, who played in the Toppserien.
Now John Arne Riise is BACK – and he returned with a bang.
He decided to pull on the boots again on Thursday 8 June to play for Avaldsnes in the Norwegian fifth-tier against Rubbestadnes IL.
His side were already leading 3-0 when he was introduced off the bench after half-time.
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But Riise rolled back the years by scoring a penalty to help them eventually ran out 9-2 winners.
He told NRK afterwards: “It was a bad penalty. I wanted to [smash it], but I got a stretch just before so I didn’t dare shoot hard.
“[I] placed it badly, but enough for the ‘keeper not to save. [It was] nice to score in the first match [back].”
And now it sounds like that he ready to help them until the end of the season.
Riise, who recently signed a new two-year contract as manager of the women’s side despite them being bottom of the league, added: “I feel the pressure, but I have nothing to prove. I have done my bit in my career.
“It’s more to keep me involved in football and have something to do in my spare time between all the work.
“I’m looking forward to it and I hope that the coach thinks I’m good enough to come up with some things.”
Manager Ulland Andersen said: “We all know what kind of career he has had. Especially for the young people in the squad, it’s insanely cool that he’s there – and inspiring for the team.”
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