Riise gets Delhi Dynamos jersey from Liverpool great Ian Rush
DELHI DYNAMOS have signed former Liverpool full-back and Norway's most capped international, John Arne Riise, who received the Indian Super League outfit's jersey from Liverpool legend Ian Rush.
Much like the signing of Frenchman Florent Malouda on Sunday, the Dynamos made the announcement ahead of an English Premier League game - between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates stadium.
The 34-year-old Riise was a free agent after his contract with Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia was terminated by mutual consent.
Riise joined Liverpool from Monaco in 2001 and scored on his debut as the Reds beat Bayern Munich 3-2 to win the European Super Cup - at Monaco's Stade Louis II.
The full-back spent seven years at Anfield, during which time he made 334 appearances, winning an FA Cup, a League Cup and the Champions League in 2005.
Commenting on his signing with Delhi Dynamos, Riise said,
"I am super excited to have joined Dehli Dynamos. I am a person who loves a new challenge, to see and experience different cultures. Roberto Carlos has been one of my heroes growing up as a left back. I'm honoured to have him as a coach, and can't wait to give my all for him and the team. I'm thankful for this opportunity and look forward to start training, meet the other players and staff. See you soon Dynamos supporters."
Dynamos' marquee player cum manager Roberto Carlos said,
"Riise is a great player, very experienced and a true leader on the field. He is definitely going to help on the development and evolution of the team in the competition."
Riise's performances with his boyhood club Aalesund made him a hot prospect in Europe with Monaco FC signing the fullback in 1998 where he won the league and his exploits at the French club earned him a move to English giants Liverpool FC.
Riise is also the most capped Norwegian international, making 110 appearances and scoring 16 goals for his country.
Delhi Dynamos FC president Prashant Agarwal said,
"We are thrilled to have signed John Arne Riise. I hope I do not get in the way of one of his thundering shots in training.
The Delhi Dynamos welcomed him on Twitter
Welcome to the Pride, @JARiiseOfficial, former UCL winner & 2-time UEFA Super Cup holder! #RoarWithRiise @Oficial_RC3 pic.twitter.com/wcqNem3pmo
— Delhi Dynamos FC (@DelhiDynamos) August 24, 2015
@delhidynamos @jariiseofficial @oficial_rc3 this is the best news I've heard today! Thank You #DelhiDynamos #RoarWithRiise
— Benson Juan Martín (@BensonMartn) August 24, 2015
@DelhiDynamos @JARiiseOfficial @Oficial_RC3 woohoo welcome to Dynamos .Will love 2 hv u here. Can't wait 2 see u firing great guns woot woot
— SANCHIT (@iSanchitMittal) August 24, 2015
First Malouda, now Riise! @DelhiDynamos is on fire!
— Hiresh Choudhary (@HireshCh) August 25, 2015
