Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise has announced his retirement from football.
The left-back, 35, formed part of the Reds’ iconic Champions League-winning team in 2005 has made 10 appearances for Aalesund in his final season as a footballer.
In a message on his official website, Riise revealed that he has decided to retire after the realisation that he is no longer able to cope with the physical demands required of him.
He said: “My inner goal was to play football at the Norwegian top level until I was 40.
“But that is not to be. It stops here. Lately there has emerged a completely new feeling in me that I am no longer strong enough to perform at my best.”
“I like to play football but the motivation is still not strong enough to run the race at the highest level. This body – and this head – has been through so much over the last 20 years.
“It is heavy and painful and painful admission and very full of emotion but it is most of all honest.”
The former Norway International has 110 caps and also played for Monaco, Roma, Fulham and Apoel.