Riise to quit

[Lighthouse]

OSLO (Reuters) - Fulham left back John Arne Riise, Norway's most-capped player, has called time on his international career at the age of 32.

OSLO (Reuters) - Fulham left back John Arne Riise, Norway's most-capped player, has called time on his international career at the age of 32.

"After a lot of thought I've decided not to continue with international football," he said in a Norwegian FA statement on Monday.

"I am going into the final stage of my career and I'm at an age where I have to take a clear decision if I want to achieve my final goal, to play another four or five years in Europe."

The former Liverpool, AS Roma and Monaco defender has won a total of 110 caps since making his debut against Iceland in 2000.

Riise, a Champions League winner with Liverpool eight years ago, is in his second season with English Premier League club Fulham.

"John Arne has shown great enthusiasm and was always the first man at training and player meetings. I respect his decision and wish to thank him for his contribution," said Norway coach Egil Olsen.

Norwegian FA president Yngve Hallen also praised Riise's efforts for the national team.

"John Arne has had a fantastic history in international football. He has been a decisive player in many matches. His contribution on the pitch has been formidable," said Hallen.

Norway are fourth in World Cup Group E qualifying, four points behind leaders Switzerland and two adrift of Iceland and Albania with five matches to go.

(Reporting by Philip O'Connor in Stockholm, editing by Tony Jimenez)

[Berserker]

That's a naughty title Mr Lighthouse  :005:

[jarv]

He wants to play more years in Europe.....maybe he will just about be good enough for the Norwegian league. If not there is always Luxembourg. Does San marino have it's own league.???

[Admin]

One typical player that hasn't help our cause this season. Came to us at the end of his career when he was past his sell by date and never had any better options. I personally wouldn't have signed Riise due to that fact that we wasn't good enough the first time around. Since joining he's been lazy and not to particualy bothered about Fulham.

[mangoputney]

Riise to quit.... kicking players shins instead of just waking up and clearing the fricking ball

[Matt Inglis]

Hopefully he will quit our team too. I have to say he is the man I want gone most from our first team squad.

[Danitar]

Hopefully he will quit our team too. I have to say he is the man I want gone most from our first team squad.

+1

[PaulJ123]

Harsh to say he hasnt been good...last season he had a cracking run of form near the end of the season.

Saying that, he's been utterly dreadful this season and would love to see him move on.

[Buffalo76]

One typical player that hasn't help our cause this season. Came to us at the end of his career when he was past his sell by date and never had any better options. I personally wouldn't have signed Riise due to that fact that we wasn't good enough the first time around. Since joining he's been lazy and not to particualy bothered about Fulham.

Waste of time now. Need to get a replacement over the summer.

[EJL]

That's a naughty title Mr Lighthouse  :005:

[Burt]

He is not the most attacking left back going... The difference between him and Riether has been noticeable.

[ron]

He wants to play more years in Europe.....maybe he will just about be good enough for the Norwegian league. If not there is always Luxembourg. Does San marino have it's own league.???

perhaps some mountain air will do him good....Andorra perhaps?

[JackyFulham90]

Have to admit I'm not impressed with Riise he is so slow, move him on this summer

[Stefano Okaka Chuka]

He was okish in his first season, but now he's just dead wood...If, and it's a massive if, Richardson is fit I'll play him anyday of the week instead of the norwegian.

[Matt Inglis]

He was okish in his first season, but now he's just dead wood...If, and it's a massive if, Richardson is fit I'll play him anyday of the week instead of the norwegian.

...and the massive question is, why didn't Jol agree come team selection for Saturday.

[EJL]

Overall I think Riise has been a failure. He was average for the first half of last season; in scintillating form for the second, and he's been awful this campaign. So the club has got roughly five good months out of someone who reportedly cost around the £1.5 million mark.

Hmmm