Former Liverpool favourite John Arne Riise has spoken candidly about the deep regret and heartbreak he still feels over his 2008 departure from Anfield, admitting he was moved to tears when told his time was up.
The Transfer Decision He Never Regretted
Riise's connection to Liverpool began in 2001, when he faced a pivotal career choice. The Norwegian defender had the opportunity to join Fulham, then managed by Jean Tigana who had previously brought him to Monaco. However, the call from Liverpool proved irresistible. "When you're 20 years old and Liverpool want you to play for them, it's quite an easy decision," Riise reflected. He insists he has never regretted choosing the Reds, with whom he enjoyed a trophy-laden seven-year spell, making 348 appearances and famously winning the Champions League in 2005.
The Emotional Anfield Exit
Riise's world was turned upside down in 2008, shortly after his infamous own goal against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final. Called into then-manager Rafa Benitez's office, Riise anticipated a contract extension discussion. Instead, he was told the club was signing Andrea Dossena and that it was time to "go our separate ways." The defender was given the option to stay and fight for his place but felt he wouldn't get a chance for months. "I went to the car, cried a little bit by myself. Called my agent, cried to him," Riise revealed, describing the moment as a profound shock after seven seasons of service.
He even asked Benitez if he could feature as a substitute in the final two games of the season to reach 350 appearances, but the request was denied. Looking back in a 2015 blog post, Riise was unequivocal: "I must admit that I should have stayed... because I know I would have taken the place from Dossena."
Clarity, Respect, and Lasting Regret
While the own goal against Chelsea was devastating—"I was crying at home and I didn't talk to anyone for days"—Riise does not believe it was the main reason for his sale. He holds great respect for Benitez, crediting him for "the best night of my life in Istanbul" and for being a great manager for his career. However, his one wish is that the Spaniard had communicated more clearly about his standing in the team earlier. "If he as my manager told me I needed to step it up, I would have done everything in my power to do so," Riise stated, feeling he was "blind" to the situation.
His subsequent move to Roma never filled the void left by Liverpool. The emotional weight of his exit, coupled with the success he enjoyed at Anfield, cemented his belief that leaving was a mistake. As his two former clubs, Liverpool and Fulham, prepare to meet again in the Premier League, Riise's story serves as a poignant reminder of the deep bonds players can form and the lasting impact of a premature farewell.
