It wasn’t Manchester United, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich who stood on the other side, when John Arne Riese in the red and white kit of Valdsen entered the stage in the fourth division from the fifth tier.
But Rubbestadnes IL from Bømlo. Jumbo table.
Before the game, the Rays were nervous about their debut:
– This is probably the first time that I have been so pleased to sit on the bench from the very beginning, says the football veteran, laughing.
According to the NFF, the left-back’s last match was against Hødd 2 for Rollon in the fourth division in Sunnmøre in May 2017. Prior to that, Riise, with 110 A caps for Norway, played most of all, with big clubs like Liverpool, Roma, Monaco and Fulham.
The comeback: In the 49th minute, John Arne Rees finally came on for Avaldense against Robestadense IL.
Photo: Thomas Halleland/NRK
However, the former Liverpool star didn’t have much to worry about. Reis was eventually substituted for Valdsens, and in the 73rd minute he scored his first goal for the club.
From the penalty spot, he was cool and put the ball to the right of the goal with his infamous left foot.
– It’s a bad penalty. I wanted to hit, but I got a stretch a little earlier so I didn’t dare to shoot hard. It is poorly placed, but enough for the keeper not to be spared. It was good that he scored in the first game, Reese told NRK after the match.
Satisfied: The Rays thought the first game was perfect without much running.
Photo: Thomas Halleland/NRK
The Reds and Whites won the match, 10-2.
He knows the pressure
Rice recently signed a new two-year contract as coach of the Avaldsnes women’s team. After that he decided to put on soccer shoes again.
– I feel pressure, but I have nothing to prove. I did my best in my career. It’s more about keeping me involved with my football and having something to do in my spare time between all the work. I’m looking forward to it and hope the coach thinks I’m good enough to come up with a few things,” Rice told NRK.
John Arne Riise on his way to the pitch in Avaldsnes before the game.
Photo: Thomas Halleland/NRK
After his debut, he talked about how his career on the field is a break from his career on the sidelines.
– It’s fun to train with the guys, the dressing room culture. Sit in the dressing room and give you messages. They have no respect for what you did in the past. That’s what you missed. Playing on the grass and playing soccer without being incredibly serious, explains the newcomer to Avaldsnes, that’s what fun is.
– insanely cool
Former Vikings player Andreas Ueland Andersen has been coach of Avaldsen’s men’s team for several seasons. They have so far failed to move up to the fourth division under the management of Oland Andersen. But now this year, they are in a good position, at the top of the table after six matches with a four-point lead to second place.
The coach is excited about what the Rays can add to his roster.
– First of all, I think it will be a great experience for everyone who loves Avaldsnes. We all know what kind of profession he had. It’s so great to be there – especially for the youngsters on the team – and an inspiration to the team, says Oland Andersen.
Avaldsnes coach Andreas Ulland Andersen was an amazing talent on the football field. Now he is a Training Fellow and Principal of John Arne Rees at AvadSense. Oland Andersen has played for, among others, Vikings, Bryn, Sundance Ulf and Randaberg. Now he is a coach playing in the fifth division.
Photo: Karina Johansen/NTP Scanpix
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