‘I should never have left Liverpool – I was moved to tears when manager forced me out’

John Arne Riise expresses deep regret over his departure from Liverpool, claiming he was emotionally devastated when Rafael Benitez pushed him out of the club despite his significant contributions.

In a candid reflection, the former Liverpool left-back, who played under Benitez from 2004 to 2008, praises the Spaniard as a "tactical genius" and the best manager he ever worked with. Riise highlights their triumphs, including the iconic 2005 Champions League victory in Istanbul, where Liverpool staged a miraculous comeback against AC Milan. He recalls the "unforgettable victory over Olympiacos" that propelled them forward, followed by triumphs over Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus, and Chelsea. Riise notes Benitez's powerful leadership: "He gave me the best trophy I could win as a club footballer."[1]

The 2006 FA Cup final brought another "miraculous turnaround", with Steven Gerrard inspiring the team to victory on penalties. Riise eagerly stepped up: "I was the first one to go up to Benitez to tell him I wanted to take a penalty."[1]

However, Riise's joy turned to sorrow after an own goal against Chelsea, which intensified pressure on him. Despite averaging nearly 50 games per season and respecting Benitez's honesty, he was stunned when the manager forced him out at season's end without a proper farewell to the Kop fans or a chance to reach 350 appearances. "I never thought I would be leaving... I was moved to tears," Riise laments, insisting he should have stayed to "step it up". He mourns missing the opportunity for a dignified exit from Anfield.[1]

Years later, Riise still holds Benitez in high regard, calling him "brilliant" and "hard-working", even as he succeeded elsewhere like Newcastle. Their bond remains strong, but the Norwegian insists his Liverpool exit was a heartbreaking mistake.[2]

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