Riise joins Roma

Reds ace seals Giallorossi switch

By James Pearson   Last updated: 18th June 2008

John Arne Riise training Liverpool

Riise: Roma switch

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Roma have completed the signing of Norway international John Arne Riise from Liverpool for £3.96million.

The Reds ace had been in Italy on Wednesday after being granted permission to hold transfer talks with the Serie A outfit.

The 27-year-old former Monaco man has now agreed a four-year contract with Luciano Spalletti's side and will join his new team-mates from July 1.

First choice

Riise had been first-choice at Anfield over previous years but fell out of favour under Rafa Benitez last season, leading to speculation of a possible move to Aston Villa or Newcastle.

However, it is Roma who have won the race to sign the experienced international, who has won over 70 caps for his country.

"Roma announce they have reached an agreement with Liverpool for the acquisition of the sporting rights of the player John Arne Riise with effect from July 1 2008," read a statement on the club's official website.

Liverpool splashed out £4.6million for Riise way back in 2001. He went on to make nearly 350 appearances for the Merseysiders.