Riise paying the price of stardom

Riise, despite the problems he has encountered in recent weeks, has continued to be a key performer for the Reds during a difficult period for the club. Maintaining such consistency is not easy but Riise insists that he must focus on his Liverpool career.

He said: "It's been scary and tough to have all this going on while I've been in another country.

"I would have liked to be with my family. It's not easy to perform at the highest level when you know your family is going to pieces.

"Still, I have tried to focus, knowing that what I do for Liverpool is the best way to heal the wounds.

"It's been a long time since my goal was to be loved by everyone. It's a price to pay for stardom. I don't spend any energy on that."