Former Liverpool player John Arne Riise has returned to play in the Indian Super League (ISL) after his stint alongside other experienced players at Delhi Dynamos in the last campaign.
The 35-year old said he hadn’t retired from club football and not leaving India despite the reports that he was done. Riise said he only took a break but was back to play.
Former Liverpool player John Arne Riise has returned to play in the Indian Super League (ISL) after his stint alongside other experienced players at Delhi Dynamos in the last campaign.
The 35-year old said he hadn’t retired from club football and not leaving India despite the reports that he was done. Riise said he only took a break but was back to play.
The third edition of the league – ISL 3 will see three other marquee signings. Kerala Blasters, Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) and Mumbai City FC have marquees for the season set to begin in October.
Helder Postiga is with ATK and Riise already has ISL experience having played for Dynamos, so it’s not such a pot-luck signing as many might consider. Whilst other clubs are taking punts on former top players like they are in an online casino, others are taking a more considred approach.
Clubs like Dynamos, FC Goa and Northeast United FC are still undergoing talks with Flourent Malouda, Simao Sabrosa and Lucio to retain them going into the new season. Malouda was sent on loan to Wadi Degla but has returned for the new season.
Deigo Forland will be the marquee signing for Mumbai City FC. He is reported to have visited India but hasn’t played a competitive game for the club. Aaron Hughes and Eidur Gudjohnsen would be the stars for Kerala Blasters and FC Pune City.
Riise, who was in action for the Reds from 2001 to 2008 winning the famous UEFA Champions League game in 2005, said: “Back in June I decide to take a break from football but I always kept the door open for a return and after speaking to Marco [Materazzi – coach of Chennaiyin FC], I found the motivation again to work hard. So I would like to thank Marco and the Chennaiyin FC owners for believing in me.” Riise also featured for AS Roma, Fulham and APOEL FC. He remains the most capped Norwegian with over 100 games.