Described as a ‘rock’ by club legend Francesco Totti, Romanisti will have fond memories of John Arne Riise. During three years in Italy, Riise enjoyed some unforgettable moments, most notably scoring a last-minute winner against Juventus in 2009 to give Roma their first away win against the Bianconeri in nine years. In 2010, the Norwegian and his teammates also came close to winning the Serie A title, finishing just two points behind Jose Mourinho’s treble-winning Inter side.
You can read more about Riise’s time in Rome, his memorable years at Liverpool and much more in his new autobiography ‘Running Man.’ And we are delighted to announce we will be involved in the launch of the book at Golazio London on December 3.
Following our involvement in the launch of Golazio back in July, it was only a matter of time before we resumed our partnership with the UK’s finest Italian football bar. The event will include a live interview with Riise hosted by TGU’s Luca Hodges-Ramon.
Below is the official press release, previewing what promises to be another fantastic evening of football nostalgia:
Press Release
deCoubertin Books and Golazio are excited to announce the publication of Running Man, the autobiography of former Liverpool and Roma defender John Arne Riise.
John Arne Riise was regarded as one of the most buccaneering left-sided players in Europe. Yet beneath the veneer of the famous and successful footballer, his ascent masked the huge challenges he had had to overcome on the way to the top: bullying, a broken home, uncertainty, loneliness. The bullies’ favourite target at school, he overcame their taunts and grew up to become the hero of thousands of school children.
Riise has written a perceptive and opinionated autobiography. It chronicles a successful and colourful career on the frontline of modern football and provides an intriguing assessment of the game which has dominated his life. The result is a frank, incisive and emotional memoir, at times tinged with regret and soul-searching, at others suffused with joy such as his role in one of the most dramatic nights in football history, the 2005 Champions League Final or the ‘Miracle of Istanbul’.
“I am excited and nervous about the release of my book in England,” said John Arne.”Telling my story has been a journey into the past and though there are many happy memories, there some painful ones too. I hope that readers can relate to some of my experiences.”
John’s story is a heart-wrenching one, the way he got himself out of a hole, being bullied as a child and with an absent father, and how he climbed or ran all the way to success.
“I am so excited to see it come out in the UK,” added ghost writer Jens M. Johansson.
John Arne Riise will attend a press launch of Running Man at Golazio, London on 3rd December 2018. He will be interviewed by Managing Editor of The Gentleman Ultra, Luca Hodges-Ramon before signing copies of his book and taking questions from the audience in a live Q&A.
Tickets and copies of Running Man can be purchased in advance from Design My Night.