John Arne Riise comes out of retirement to play for defending Champions Chennaiyin FC

by Siddharth Yadav August 18, 2016

Liverpool legend John Arne Riise has decided to come out of retirement to play for Indian Super League (ISL) 2015 Champions Chennaiyin FC as a marquee player for the upcoming season.

After leaving Liverpool in 2008, Riise had spells in Italy’s Roma, Fulham in England and APOEL FC in the Cyprus top division. He is Norway’s most capped player at international level with 110 appearances.

“We are delighted to have signed John as our marquee player for the 2016 ISL. He is a player with exceptional quality and experience. We look forward to having a great season from him,” said Chennaiyin FC co-owner Mrs Vita Dani.

“John has had a fantastic career already and was very consistent in last year’s ISL. He will be a very important player for us both on and off the pitch,” said Chennaiyin FC head coach Marco Materazzi.

“Back in June I decided to take a break from football but I always kept the door open for a return and after speaking to Marco I found the motivation again to work hard. So I would like to thank Marco and the Chennaiyin FC owners for believing in me. Marco especially had a big influence in my decision. I am honoured to have the chance to play and work under Marco. Working closely with him will be a great experience for me for my future coaching career also.

I had a very interesting experience last year in India but this year I am more prepared and more excited and can’t wait to get started with Chennaiyin FC and help them retain the ISL trophy,” Riise stated.