John Arne Riise was on the lookout for a new missus back in 2005, when he sent out 15 identical texts to well known Norwegian celebs - and his mum had to defend him
John Arne Riise was on top of the world back in 2005.
The Norwegian wing wizard had just been crowned as King of Continent with Liverpool's miraculous 3-0 comeback in Istanbul - and he knew how he wanted to celebrate. He flipped open his phone and started to type: "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".
However, that message hadn't just gone to one celebrity - it had gone to 15, each with the exact same wording.
Instead of any messages back, Riise was rumbled in the Norwegian tabloids, as the girls came forward discovering they had the same message. Mona Grudt was one of the first to come forward: "This is a bit embarrassing, but the answer is yes. I have received messages from Riise."
Now known as the infamous SMS King in his native Scandinavia, the press were desperate to get their hands on the celebs Riise had tried to woo.
Norwegian singer Marion Ravn was there and so too was beauty pageant star/fashion model Kathrine Sørland. Actresses Aylar Lie and Anette Young were also named.
While Norwegian talk show host Synnøve Svabo - who is known in her homeland for her 1997 boob stunt on then Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland - joked about the text.
Kathrine Sørland was also texted by John Arne Riise (Image: Henning Jensen/REX/Shutterstock)
"Not in my wildest imagination would I have thought that the newspapers would make an issue out of this," Riise finally 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. 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's mum, Berit, even defended the saga: "Yes, my son is on the lookout. But he's single now and I can't understand any girl being upset."
Marion Ravn opened up on the cheeky message (Image: WireImage)
Riise has since settled down with Louise Angelica, who he married in 2014 - shortly before leaving Fulham.
He hung his boots up in 2017, before briefly coming out of retirement in 2023 for Avaldsnes - where he managed the women's team - making one appearance, even finding the net.
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