Riise ready for fresh start

Carragher pays tribute to former Reds full-back

Last updated: 19th June 2008

John Arne Riise Liverpool v Newcastle

Riise: Ready for new challenge

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John Arne Riise is looking forward to experiencing a new style of football after leaving Liverpool for Roma.

The Norway international signed a four-year contract with Roma on Wednesday, with the Italian club paying just under £4million.

Riise had spent seven years at Anfield and is now relishing the opportunity to play in Serie A next season, alongside the likes of Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi.

"I wanted a new experience and to get to know a new type of football," said Riise.

Phenomenon

"I chose Roma because they are a great club with great fans and they won the Coppa Italia.

"I met the coach and I will listen to him and try to give my best. The passion of Luciano Spalletti struck me and now I will try and learn Italian so that I can get to work.

"Roma have experienced players. I know Ludovic Giuly from my time at Monaco, where we played together, and Francesco Totti is a phenomenon.

"Then there's Daniele De Rossi, who is one of the best midfielders in Europe and who is growing into a truly great player."

Great professional

Meanwhile, Riise's former Reds team-mate Jamie Carragher feels the versatile left-sider can be 'very proud' of his time on Merseyside.

Carragher told the club's official website: "John Arne has been a great player for Liverpool for six or seven seasons now.

"He's played at a very high level for a long time now. He's never injured and he's a great professional who has always looked after himself.

"He can be very proud of what he's achieved with Liverpool."