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Delhi Dynamos have confirmed John Arne Riise as their latest signing for the second edition of the Indian Super League. The 34-year-old was signed as a free agent since his contract with Cypriot side APOEL expired at the end of last season. The announcement comes a day after the ISL side signed former Chelsea player Florent Malouda.
Kerala Blasters were considered the favorites to sign the Norwegian as speculation broke out when Riise’s wife wrote on her blog that Riise would make the move to India. She wrote, “John Arne has now decided, and the choice is India. We look forward to two exciting years with new challenges and a new culture. India is a fairly new league which is on the rise. He wants to use his experience so that the league can be even greater.”
Peter Taylor, manager of the Kerala Blasters had also confirmed their interest in Riise but had confirmed that nothing was decided. Taylor said, “We’ve shown a strong interest in John. We would love him to come and join us. I don’t think it’s sorted out yet.”
Delhi announced the signing via Twitter, with their tweet stating,”Welcome to the Pride, John Arne Riise, former UCL winner & 2-time UEFA Super Cup holder.”
Riise started his career at Aalesunds FK before moving to French club Monaco in 1998. At the French club, Risse won the Ligue 1 title in 2000 and the Trophee des Champions, the Frech equivalent of the Comunity Shield, the following season.
In 2001, UEFA Cup holders Liverpool signed up the Norwegian for a fee of £4m. In his very first season, Riise played every game of the league season scoring seven goals. He later played a crucial part in Liverpool’s League Cup win in 2003.
But Riise’s best season was yet to come. In 2005, Liverpool won their fifth European Cup as Riise played every game in the competition. To complete his Cup collection, he won the FA Cup the next season.
After seven seasons with the Merseyside club, Riise had stints with Italian giants Roma before returning to England with London club Fulham. In 2014, Riise joined Cypriot club APOEL winning the league and cup double in his one year with the club.
Riise now will team up with Brazil legend Roberto Carlos, who is the marquee player-manager for the ISL club. He revealed his excitement on his new move on Twitter.
