Riise eager for proper goodbye

Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise says he hopes to return to Anfield before the end of his career to say thank you to the Kop for supporting him in his seven years at the club.

The Norweigan left-back left the Reds this summer for Roma after poor form and criticism during his performances in the 2007/08 campaign.

But Riise, who played for his country in Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland wants to return to Anfield to show his appreciation of the support he was given in his time at the club.

He says, “A change of environment could be good for my career and I felt it was right to look at another country.

“I just wish I had the chance to say goodbye to the Liverpool supporters because I wanted to show what they meant to me. They were fantastic throughout my time at the club. Hopefully I will go back one day and do it.

“Liverpool is in my heart because I enjoyed the best moment of my career there, winning the Champions League, but when you are at a club like that you know something is always going to happen.@