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Riise, the 'SMS King' was so desperate to get a girlfriend that he resorted to texting several women with the same exact lines.
Liverpool legend John Arne Riise found himself in hot water back in 2005 after sending identical flirtatious texts to 15 women.
Fresh off Liverpool’s iconic Champions League win in Istanbul, Riise celebrated by sending messages to several ‘hot’ female celebrities, hoping to spark a romantic connection.
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According to the Daily Star, the now-infamous text read:
However, Riise saw his master plan seriously backfire when the Norwegian tabloids got hold of the story, as several of the women, including Miss Universe winner Mona Grudt, came forward with an identical message she received from the footballer.
John Arne Riise: Liverpool legend admits he ‘flirted too much’
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Reflecting on the ordeal, Riise admitted:
"It was idiotic, and I've laughed a little at myself afterwards. I probably flirted a little too much, but only got pleasant responses."
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Riise added that his goal had simply been to “make contact with some cute girls” and jokingly considered ditching his phone altogether.
“Now I’m considering throwing my mobile phone straight into the bin!” he said.
Despite the media frenzy, Riise’s mother, Berit, defended her son’s actions stating:
“Yes, my son is on the lookout. But he's single now, and I can't understand any girl being upset.”
Riise eventually settled down in 2014 with Louise Angelica, leaving behind his cheeky texting days.
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However, the 44-year-old has also parted ways Louise Angelica.
John Arne Riise’s rollercoaster love life
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Riise was married to his childhood sweetheart, the Norwegian model Guri Havnevik, from 2003 until they divorced in 2004.
He has one daughter with Guri named Ariana, born in January 2001.
Riise got engaged to Maria Elvegard in 2007.
The couple were due to be married in the summer of 2008 but had to postpone the day after moving to Rome.
They married on 21 June 2010 in a private ceremony in New York City, inviting only their family and close friends.
However, in February 2012, they announced that their marriage was over.
In May 2014, he married Louise Angelica.
However, their marriage seemingly ended as Louise has since gone public with her new boyfriend - although she still maintains his last name on her Instagram profile.
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Since retiring as a player Riise has been involved in various bankruptcies, either by him directly or by companies owned or managed by him.
He was once sued by his ex-wife for allegedly for removing funds illegally from an account belonging to their child.
With 110 caps, Riise is the most capped player for the Norway national team.
He was named in the Norway squad for UEFA Euro 2000 but did not play in the tournament.
Riise scored 16 goals before his retirement from international duty in 2013.
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He spent seven years playing for Premier League side Liverpool, in which he won many honours, including the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League, before moving to Roma in 2008.
During his playing days, Riise was renowned for his unrivalled stamina and powerful shooting.
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