How Liverpool cult hero was caught trying to seduce 15 celebrities with same text message before MUM stuck up for him
FORMER Liverpool star John Arne Riise was found out to have texted 15 celebrity women with the same message back in 2005.
The Norwegian, now 44, helped the Reds win the Champions League in Istanbul in May that year.
Following his triumph, Riise decided to open his contact book to text some ladies.
He subsequently crafted what he felt to be the ideal message.
It is said to have read: “Good evening… After a lot of calling to all kinds of contacts, I finally got your number.
“I have always thought you are very charming, cute, sexy, fantastic aura, and last but not least, you seem exciting and challenging); hope we can get in touch, and I will of course invite you on a romantic dinner for two); kiss from John Arne Riise xxx”.
Satisfied with his creation, Riise is claimed to have decided to send it to 15 different women in his native Norway.
Unfortunately for the full-back, he was soon rumbled when they each realised that several others had received the same message.
Former Miss Universe Mona Grudt was approached by Norwegian publication Aftenposten regarding Riise’s message.
She confirmed at the time: “This is a bit embarrassing, but the answer is yes. I have received messages from Riise.”
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Several other Norwegian celebrities rapidly became known to have been texted by Riise.
In addition to Grudt, singer Marion Ravn, actresses Aylar Lie and Anette Young, and model Kathrine Sorland were later named.
While TV personality Pia Haraldsen, singers Sandra Lyng Haugen and Tone Damli Aaberge were also said to have received the message.
Talk show host Synnove Svabo didn’t seem bothered at all by Riise’s text, making light of the situation.
As per the Daily Star, Riise himself has since admitted to having had a chuckle at his own expense regarding his infamous message.
The man dubbed the “SMS King” by Norwegian papers said: “Not in my wildest imagination would I have thought that the newspapers would make an issue out of this.
“It was idiotic, and I’ve laughed a little at myself afterwards.
“I probably flirted a little too much, but only got pleasant responses.
“The purpose has only been to make contact with some cute girls I appreciate.
“And I don’t say no to a SMS flirt… Now I’m considering throwing my mobile phone straight into the bin!”
Riise did have one woman come out to publicly defend him… his mum Berit.
“Yes, my son is on the lookout,” she said at the time. “But he’s single now and I can’t understand any girl being upset.”
Prior to winning the Champions League, Riise had already been married to childhood sweetheart Guri Havnevik, with the pair having a daughter together named Ariana in 2001.
The pair wed in 2003, but would split the following year.
Riise went on to marry new partner Maria Elvegard in 2010, with the couple having two children together; Emma, 15, and Patrick, 12.
The ex-footballer and Maria announced their split in 2012, with Riise going on to marry Louise Angelica two years later.
Riise and Louise have one child together, son Colin, five, but went on to break up in 2021 – with Louise going public with new boyfriend David Eriksen earlier this year.
During his stint at Liverpool, the Norway international was shockingly attacked with a golf club by then-team-mate Craig Bellamy.
After Riise had refused to sing karaoke, days before the Reds’ Champions League clash with Barcelona in 2007, Bellamy later wandered into his hotel room and attempted to strike him with one of his clubs.