John Arne Riise has revealed he turned down several offers from Premier League clubs when he was forced to quit Liverpool because he could not handle facing Rafael Benitez's side.
The Norway left-back joined Roma during the summer for £4million but Newcastle, Aston Villa, Sunderland and West Ham were among several English clubs who were interested.
But Riise, who faces Ireland in a friendly in Oslo tonight, admitted he decided to move abroad because of his love for the Reds.
There was no way I was going to be comfortable playing for another English club and I had plenty of offers from other clubs in the Premier League,' said Riise.
'I didn't have to leave, I didn't want to at the start because I had another year left, but I did want to be playing regularly and I didn't feel that would happen this season if I had stayed.
'I just needed to get the right club. A change of environment could be good for my career and I felt it was right to look at another country.
'The only thing I am unhappy about is that I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to the Liverpool supporters because I wanted to show what they meant to me. They were fantastic throughout my time at the club.
'I am just disappointed I didn't have that chance but hopefully I will go back one day and do it.
'Liverpool is in my heart because I enjoyed the best moment of my career there, winning the Champions League, but when you are at a club like that you know something is always going to happen.
'They are always looking for the best players so there is someone new challenging you.'
Riise, who spent seven years at Anfield after a £4.6m move from Monaco, believes Ireland captain Robbie Keane will make his former club serious title contenders.
He added: 'Robbie is a fantastic player and a fantastic signing for the club. I knew he was a Liverpool fan from his childhood and this is the best move of all those he has had in his career. He could be the reason Liverpool will challenge for a title.
'Over the last couple of years his work-rate has really improved and he is difficult to mark because he is always on the move, he is a good link-up player and a very good finisher inside the box.
'He is a smart player and playing behind Torres could be very crucial.'
Nice of him to say.....
RAFA 
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