John Arne Riise wasted no time in declaring the joy he recieved from taking part in the Anfield All-Star charity game on Sunday, a match held to raise money for the LFC Foundation. Norweigan defender Riise completed the first 45 minutes for Team Gerrard, in a game which ended 2-2.

Riise had a very good seven year spell on Merseyside between 2001-2008, becoming a fans favourite thanks to his powerful left foot and attacking performances from left back. The crowd were given a glimpse of that left foot in the game, as Riise forced Pepe Reina into a save with a strong free kick.

 "It's been seven or eight years since I played here and the fans still sing the song," Riise told Liverpoolfc.com. "They have to know that it means a lot to me and for all of the players who get their songs sung. I'm very grateful and honoured.

''I've been looking forward to this for a few weeks now and meeting all the players before at the hotel was unbelievable. Some great, great players in former teammates and former opponents, so it was great to come back."

Riise also reserved special praise for former teammate Jamie Carragher, who turned opponent as he captained a side on Sunday. Riise said that he enjoyed playing against Carragher, who had clearly not lost any of his spirit for the game.

"I enjoyed Carra's performance because he was still pulling and kicking even after he's retired! We were thinking it was going to be an easy afternoon but then they [the Carragher XI] really wanted to play so it was a hard first half. In the second half I think we were the better team and a draw was a fair result.

''It's amazing to see the turnout and the players who came to support this event. It means that the players really care about this and hopefully we did a good job."

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