Riise - Italy right for me

Left-back did not contemplate move to rival English club

By James Dall   Last updated: 20th August 2008

Riise - Italy right for me

Riise: Now at Roma

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Roma defender John Arne Riise has revealed that leaving Liverpool for another Premier League club never crossed his mind.

Riise ended his seven-year stay at Anfield in the summer, signing for Roma for a fee of £3.9million.

The Norwegian parted company with the Reds after manager Rafa Benitez's defensive strengthening during the transfer window meant he was not guaranteed first-team football in the new season.

Riise believes he was right to snub offers from a number of Premier League clubs, and is sure he made the best decision for his career by heading to Italian giants Roma.

Sudden

The 27-year-old said: "Clubs like Liverpool are always looking round the world for players, and there is always going to be someone new challenging you.

"It was sudden. One day I was a Liverpool player, the next I was going to leave.

"I just wanted to make sure I got the best possible club. There was no way I was going to be comfortable playing for another English club, and I had plenty of offers from other clubs in the Premier League.

"I didn't have to leave because I had another year left, but I did want to be playing regularly and I didn't feel that would happen this season if I stayed.

"I spent seven years at Liverpool and played more than 250 games. The challenge in Italy was the right one for my career and the time was right to change to another country."