John Arne Riise came out of retirement to feature for Avaldsnes in the Norwegian fifth-tier on Thursday.
The 42-year-old last played a professional game for Rollin back in 2017, capping off a remarkable 21-year career. Riise enjoyed time at the likes of Liverpool, Fulham and Roma during his playing days, winning the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League, as well as many other major trophies.
He has since moved into coaching after retiring and he is currently in charge of women’s side Avaldsnes IL, who played in the Toppserien. However, as well as his commitments as a manager, Riise decided to return to the pitch and play for Avaldsnes' men's side against Rubbestadnes IL.
Avaldsnes were already 3-0 up when the veteran was introduced just after half-time. Riise rolled back the years by scoring a set piece 24 minutes onto his debut as his side ran out 9-2 winners. Riise, whose goal came from the penalty spot, admitted it wasn't his best effort but it didn't matter.
"It was a bad penalty," he told NRK after the game. "I wanted to [smash it], but I got a stretch just before so I didn’t dare shoot hard. [I] placed it badly, but enough for the ‘keeper not to save. [It was] nice to score in the first match [back]."
Riise's lack of fitness was understandable given his time away from the field, but it sounds as though the former left-back is going to continue until the end of the season. He will also the lead the women's side in the meantime after signing a new two-year contract, despite being bottom of the Toppserien.
"I feel the pressure, but I have nothing to prove. I have done my bit in my career," Riise added. "It’s more to keep me involved in football and have something to do in my spare time between all the work. I’m looking forward to it and I hope that the coach thinks I’m good enough to come up with some things."
Manager Ulland Andersen said: "We all know what kind of career he has had. Especially for the young people in the squad, it’s insanely cool that he’s there – and inspiring for the team."
As for Riise's former club Liverpool, they finished fifth in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season and are set to be busy in the summer transfer window. The Reds completed their first arrival of the summer in the form of Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister earlier this week - and are set to add further reinforcements.
