Riise wants Italy stay

AS Roma left back John Arne Riise has quashed speculation linking him with a surprise return to Liverpool reports Football Italia.

The 30-year-old Norwegian international defender has refuted claims he is seeking a move away from the Serie A club.

The ex-Anfield star moved to Rome from Liverpool in the summer of 2008 and has since enjoyed a successful spell playing in Italy.

After reaffirming his commitment to the Giallorossi , he moved to suggest that previous comments may have been taken out of context, and that there is no truth in the rumours.

"I want to stay at Roma," said Riise.

"I do many interviews in a week and I do not remember what I say, and I often mention Liverpool," he stated.

"I spent seven wonderful years there and I have happy memories of my experience.

"However, the fact is that I like playing in Rome and my agent has spent a lot of time in contact with the club about a renewal.

"Now, with the new owners who will arrive in a few weeks, we can see if we can find an agreement for a contract of four or five years.

"All the Giallorossi fans know that my heart is in Rome. This is a fantastic city, a great club which has passionate fans and fantastic players.

"I know that Roma have the ability to win something and I've always wanted to be a part of that."

As Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish widens his search for a left-back reinforcement, Reds fans may be saddened by Riise's comments.

However, they can take solace from the fact that the list of alleged Anfield targets can be whittled down further to give them a clearer indication of who is likely to be playing in Liverpool colours next season.

Source: Give Me Football.com

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