John Riise picture

JOHN ARNE RIISE has finally become a Liverpool player after sealing his protracted move from Monaco.

There were some rumours that the club from the Principality preferred to sell the Norwegian to Fulham, but the Merseysiders have got their man on a five-year contract.

"I am very relieved because it has been back and forth a lot," the midfielder admitted. "I just got the message from Monaco that I have become a Liverpool player.

"We are waiting for a representative from Liverpool, and then we will travel to Monaco to sign all the papers. "Aalesund have got the fee they were entitled to. I don't want to comment further on that issue."

Riise has no qualms about snubbing Fulham in order to join the treble cup winners, and he is looking forward to linking up with the rest of Gerard Houllier's squad next month.

"I have been assured all along by Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier that it would go through," he told NTB. "And it did. "It shows that he is a man who can be trusted. "I am going to Monaco now and then I will travel to Madeira with my girlfriend. "After that, I will stop by Aalesund before I report for pre-season training in Liverpool on July 2. "The fee has not been officially disclosed but it is expected to be in the region of £4 million