The rock at the heart of Delhi Dynamos FC’s defence last season, John Arne Riise confirmed his retirement from the game on Monday bringing down the curtain on an illustrious 20-year professional career that saw him ply his trade in France, England, Italy, Cyprus and India. The 35-year-old defender ended his career at Norwegian club Aalesunds FK, which also happens to be where it all started for the ginger-haired left-back.A UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool during his time in England, Riise became a cult icon for the Merseysiders. He won the Ligue 1 title and Cypriot First Division during his time in France and Cyprus with Monaco and APOEL respectively. Riise also lifted the FA Cup, League Cup and two UEFA Super Cups during his time with Liverpool.A proven performer at the international stage, Riise earned over 100 caps for Norway and also featured in Euro 2000. His only stint in the second season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) with Delhi Dynamos FC saw him become one of the defensive mainstays in a Lions outfit that made their maiden semi-final appearance. The marauding left-back made 38 tackles, 42 headers and 26 interceptions last season while also contributing an assist and a goal in the final third.
