Source: Daily_Mail
John Arne Risse completes Fulham switch
John Arne Riise is looking forward to linking up with his brother, Bjorn, after completing his ?2.4million move to Fulham. [LNB]The former Liverpool defender has penned a three-year deal at Craven Cottage, and was officially unveiled on Wednesday morning. [LNB] Done deal: Riise has signed a three-year deal at Craven Cottage [LNB]Riise has spent the past three seasons plying his trade in Serie A with Roma, having departed from Anfield in 2008.[LNB] The 30-year-old clocked up more than 230 appearances for the Merseysiders after joining them from Monaco in 2001 and the full-back admits it is great to be back in England.[LNB]'I'm delighted to have completed my transfer to Fulham this morning and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League once again' Riise told the club's official website. [LNB] Cult hero: Riise became a fans favourite at Anfield after a number of spectacular goals [LNB]'Fulham is a club that I have been following as my brother, Bjorn, plays here and he speaks very highly of the club and the staff. [LNB]'Obviously I also played against the club in the Europa League group stage when they went on to reach the final of the competition. [LNB]'I know that the club is ambitious and continues to make good progress each year, under the guidance of the chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed. [LNB]'I am looking forward to working with Martin Jol and the rest of the squad when I report to training next week.'[LNB] Getting shirty: The Norway international poses for the cameras after being unveiled at Fulham [LNB]The Norway international is recently-appointed manager Martin Jol's second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Hungarian goalkeeper Csaba Somogyi earlier this week. [LNB]'John Arne Riise is an experienced international left-back, who will bring a number of qualities to our squad and provide more options for me,' said Jol.[LNB]'He is used to performing at the very highest level for both club and country and is an accomplished player defensively, who can also contribute to our attacking play. [LNB]'I am extremely happy that we've been able to add him to our squad, and believe that he will prove a valuable addition as we progress.' [LNB] Valuable addition: Riise spent three seasons at Roma[LNB]Riise's move will see him link up with fellow Norway international Brede Hangeland, as well as his brother.[LNB]The 30-year-old came up against the pair in Fulham's 2010 Europa League run while at Roma and admits it willbe special to now play alongside them.[LNB]'It was the first time my brother andI played against each other at a high level so it was a big experience for both of us,' he said.[LNB]'I managed to score against Fulham - my brother likes that one - and we enjoyed it, but now we can finally play together in a club.[LNB]'[As for Brede], we play next to each other in the national team and hopefully we can do the same here at Fulham.[LNB]'It can only help both Fulham and the national team that we can play together so having three Norwegians at the same club is going to be niceand we're going to enjoy it.'[LNB] Norwegian revolution: Riise scores a free-kick for Norway against Scotland[LNB]The left-back will not travel with Fulham for tomorrow's Europa League second qualifying round clash against Crusaders in Northern Ireland, but hopes to be available for next week's second leg and admits he cannot wait to start working with manager Jol.[LNB]'I had a chat with a few of the medical staff and stuff about my fitness,' he said.[LNB]'I am already there but I need some football training - a bit of ball work - so hopefully it looks I will be playing in the second leg.[LNB]'A little week of football training and then I am ready.[LNB]'[Jol] is a strong character, a nice man. He always smiles.[LNB]'I have met him a few times now and I think both of us are happy that I have signed.[LNB]'Now we can start working together and I am looking forward to hopefully playing my best football under him and helping Fulham to a good position in the Premier League.'[LNB]VIDEO: Remember this? Riise's brilliant free kick for Liverpool against Man United in 2001[LNB][LNB] Club-by-club guide to all the Barclays Premier League summer transfersFulham target former Liverpool defender Riise as Jol plans family reunionSouthampton weigh up ambitious move for ex-Liverpool star Riise Riise lined up by Newcastle boss Pardew to replace wantaway Enrique [LNB] [LNB]
