Liverpool star subbed off for Steven Gerrard on debut now runs salmon fishing lodge

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCVegard Heggem was Liverpool's first signing of the Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier era but his career was cut short by injury - he went on to open a salmon fishing lodge back homeVegard Heggem runs a salmon fishing lodge(Image: Aunan Lodge)A former Liverpool player established a fishing lodge following his early retirement from professional soccer.Norwegian full-back Vegard Heggem spent five years on Merseyside after signing from Rosenborg in 1998. He became the inaugural acquisition under Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier's brief spell as joint-managers.Heggem made a strong impression during his opening two campaigns, accumulating 61 appearances, before injury cruelly derailed his career.

He followed that interest by creating his own salmon fishing lodge back in Norway.Speaking to LFCTV in 2021, he said, "When I moved away to play football, I started to think about what to do when my playing days were over. I've got a passion for fishing, in particular salmon fishing, so the idea of opening a fishing lodge seemed like a great idea."I can't imagine a better job now than being host for fishermen from all over the world that come here to hunt for Atlantic salmon."Heggem (middle of bottom row) at Euro 2000 with Norway legends like Ole Gunnar Solskaer (bottom left) and Tore Andre Flo (bottom right)(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)Despite his injury setbacks, Heggem retains fond memories of his time at Anfield, while his Aunan Lodge features Reds memorabilia throughout.

I was really unlucky with injuries."I did my very best to get back playing. His second goal came in a victory over Bradford City in November that year.The 50-year-old also occupies a special place in Liverpool history as the player substituted to allow Steven Gerrard to make his debut from the bench during a 2-0 win against Blackburn in November 1998.He loves his new job after moving away from soccer(Image: Getty Images)Heggem, who represented his nation on 20 occasions, will undoubtedly be watching intently when England face Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.