John Arne Riise picks the best Liverpool side he's played in and comments on current team

Favourite moment with Monaco was winning the French title. Amazing feeling!! Liverpool was winning the Champions League in 2005. Roma was being able to say I played with the king of Rome, (Francesco) Totti! And scoring the winning goal against Juventus in 2010.

You were part of a historic night in Istanbul 2005, how do you describe that night and what was said in the locker room when you were 3-0 down at half time?

Best final ever. so many different emotions throughout the game. Best night of my football career. At half time it was all about getting our belief back. Starting to believe that we were good enough.

John Arne Riise with the Champions League trophy in 2005

Which was the best Liverpool team you ever played in, from 2001 to 2008?

Its a very difficult questions. But my favourite 11 has to be. Reina, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Riise. diamond in middle. Mascherano holding. Gerrard and Alonso next to him with Luis Garcia behind Torres and Owen… Hopefully I didn’t forget anybody.

Would you trade in your Champions League medal to win the World Cup with Norway?

No I wouldn’t, as I know Norway will never win the World Cup.

You played with many legends throughout your career such as Alonso, Totti, Gerrard, and Trezeguet, which player would you consider yourself the closest to? And are you still in contact with them.

I’m closest to Gerrard. Although I’m a very social person. I’m always smiling and joking with everybody. But I spent seven years with Gerrard, we went through a lot together on and off the pitch.

Riise celebrates his winner against Man City in 2005 with Gerrard

What made you realise that you wanted to retire from football?

I don’t want to play just to play. You need that trigger that pushes you to work harder than anybody else. I had that my whole career. That’s what made me who I was as a player. Working harder than most. Suddenly I didn’t have it. I didn’t work as hard as i needed to. Normally i love pushing myself and working hard. It was gone. When it wasn’t fun, I knew it was time. But I miss it and still feel I could do a big job.

Which player gave you the most trouble during your career?

I hated quick players. Hard to defend against. So players like Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon were difficult. But the games I was most prepared and focused was against Cristiano Ronaldo. Amazing player and person. Loved playing against him, top two in the world.

Roma have a new manager (Eusebio Di Francesco) this season, how do you see them doing?

I hope they can push for the title. I don’t think Juventus is as strong. But a lot of new players I don’t know a lot about.

Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco

Do you think that Liverpool have a chance in the League or the Champions League with the state of there current defense?

With the defensive issues I don’t think we will go all the way in Champions League.

Are you interested in becoming an ambassador for Liverpool?

Of course I am. I would love to work for the best club in the world. Be honoured.