Indian Super League side Delhi Dynamos have confirmed the signing of former Liverpool star left-back John Arne Riise this summer.
The announcement of the 34-year-old Norwegian joining the ISL side comes just a day after the Delhi side announced the signing of former Chelsea star winger Florent Malouda. And with former stars from Liverpool and Chelsea already bolstering the squad ahead of ISL 2.0, Delhi Dynamos can be seen as a major force to reckon with.
The presence of Riise signifies a tough competition for places in the left full-back position for the Delhi Dynamos with marquee player-manager Roberto Carlos already present in the roster.
"I am super excited to have joined Delhi Dynamos. I am a person who loves a new challenge, to see and experience different cultures," the most-capped player of the Norway national team, said in a statement.
"Roberto Carlos has been one of my heroes growing up as a left back. I'm honoured to have him as a coach, and can't wait to give my all for him and the team. I'm thankful for this opportunity and look forward to start training, meet the other players and staff.
"At the summer I was a free agent, and I look to experience new places, cultures, and when Delhi Dynamos wanted to sign me, I thought why not? It's a new country, and a new football league, and I can't wait to get started," Riise told Sky Sports.
"I'm a winner, I like to win stuff, and hopefully we can go there and get more signings and Carlos can get the team together. We can fight for the title."
The announcement of Riise joining the ISL side was made just prior to the start of the Arsenal and Liverpool game at the Emirates on Monday night. Liverpool legend, Ian Rush, also personally handed Riise the Dynamos jersey.
He is nicknamed 'The Norwegian Carlos', and Carlos himself feels that the presence of the former Monaco and Roma player is great news for the team. "Riise is a great player, very experienced and a true leader on the field. He is definitely going to help on the development and evolution of the team in the competition," the Brazil legend said.
The former Norway star spent seven years at the Merseyside club winning the UEFA Champions league, 2 UEFA Super Cups and an FA cup, among other trophies.
Meanwhile, Delhi Dynamos have also announced that the trio of Carlos, Malouda, and Riise, will join their teammates in the Dynamos' preseason tour of Sweden, ahead of ISL 2.0.
