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Rediff.com  » Sports » ISL: Former Liverpool defender Riise joins Delhi Dynamos

ISL: Former Liverpool defender Riise joins Delhi Dynamos

August 25, 2015 11:14 IST
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FC Pune City also bolstered their defence by signing former Espanyol and Deportivo La Coruna defender Diego Colotto for the second edition of the eight-team league beginning on October 3.

John Arne Riise  

John Arne Riise. Photograph: Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise will join Frenchman Florent Malouda and Brazilian Roberto Carlos at the Delhi Dynamos for the second season of the Indian Super League, the club announced on Tuesday.

"I am a person who loves a new challenge, to see and experience different cultures," the former Norway international said in a club 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," added the 34-year-old.

Riise received the Indian Super League outfit's jersey from Liverpool legend Ian Rush.

Riise was a free agent after his contract with Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia was terminated by mutual consent.

Riise joined Liverpool from Monaco in 2001 and scored on his debut as the Reds beat Bayern Munich 3-2 to win the European Super Cup at Monaco's Stade Louis II.

The full-back spent seven years at Anfield, during which time he made 334 appearances, winning an FA Cup, a League Cup and the Champions League in 2005.

Diego Colotto of RCD Espanyol

Diego Colotto of RCD Espanyol. Photograph: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Delhi's marquee player/manager Roberto Carlos had high expectations from the former Roma and Fulham player.

"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," said the former Real Madrid defender.

FC Pune City also bolstered their defence by signing former Espanyol and Deportivo La Coruna defender Diego Colotto for the second edition of the eight-team league beginning on October 3.

Argentine Colotto, who moved to Espanyol from Deportivo La Coruna in 2012, will join former Chelsea forward Adrian Mutu at the Pune team managed by former England captain David Platt.

The ISL got off to a rousing start last year with Brazilian Zico headlining the managers' list and its marquee players including Italian duo Alessandro Del Piero and Marco Materazzi, and Frenchman Nicholas Anelka.

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