The Talented Mr Riise

[AFII]

Reds ace Riise in bankrupty shock

Mar 29 2007

by Luke Traynor, icNorthWest


A BANKRUPTY order has been filed against Liverpool player John Arne Riise, the ECHO can reveal.

The shock revelation emerged at Liverpool County Court relating to debts amounting to just under £100,000.

It is undertood the sum relates to fees on behalf of Riises fomer agent, Einar Baardsen, from whom he split in 2005.

But a source told the ECHO an English law firm were looking to recover the debt which had been run up by the agent, not Riise.

He described the courts bankruptcy order as an oversight, adding the players lawyers were expecting to have it annulled by Monday.

It is believed Riise has ended up with huge debts in his name, although he insists it is without his knowledge.

A source, close to Riise, said: There was a bankruptcy order issued, but it was an oversight which should have never ended up in court.

His lawyers are working on this case as a matter of urgency and they are confident the situation can be resolved in the near future.

The order was made in Liverpool on Tuesday, but Riise was not present, and it is said that he knows very little about his former agents claim.

Details of Riises bankruptcy are now officially listed, giving the players last known address in Liverpool.

The case is linked to a separate fraud action which Riise is pursuing against the former agent through the Norwegian courts.

It is believed the defender is claiming around £37 kroner (£3.1) from Mr Baardsen, who denies the allegations.

Newspaper reports have claimed that Riise is claiming money that was allegedly taken out in loans unauthorised by him, but taken out in his name.

One article claimed Riise had privately admitted signing documents on Baardsens recommendation without checking the small print.

Speaking to a Norwegian newspaper, last month, Riise said: I trusted him {Baardsen} and was shocked when I found out what had happened.

Now I have good people around me that will help me out of this. Maybe this can be a warning to other young footballers.

The dispute will not affect his position with the Reds in any way.

Riise has now signed up with the renowned agent Straun Marshall, from the SFX management company, who also represent Steven Gerrard.

A spokesman for Liverpool Football Club said: We are not going to comment as this is a private matter.

CLICKY- The Echo

[Darth Marty]

Im as critical of players as anyone, for me no one, no one, simply deserves a place in Liverpools 1st team, no exceptions, but in my opinion Riise is and has worked hard to be 1st choice left back. I think hes been a great servant to us and a model pro. He doesnt whine, whinge or generally **** up our good name, i think his criticism is very harsh and for me undeserved. Good on ya Riise, your a good pro.

[dom9]

Steve Nicol was criminally underrated until quite late in his career.

I think Riise is similar. Solid and dependable. He has been the best left back, and left midfielder since he arrived at the club.

I also can not think of too many goals conceded that were his fault.

[wavydavy]

I think every club needs a few riise's. Dependable, can run all day, threat on goal etc. No he isn't the greatest footballer on the planet but he wears his heart on his sleeve and doesn't hide his obvious affection for the club. When you think of the mercenary attitude of many of today's players I think he's something of a rarity these days. The acid test for any situation where there are doubts over a player's value/ability are to imagine what would happen if the player was put up for sale. It is my belief that unlike Cisse, Biscan, Diao, Cheyrou, Pongo et al Riise would have Europe's top sides queuing around the block!!