RIISE: WE'VE GOT BEST OF THE BEST

canz85

John Arne Riise has hailed Liverpool's new owners for bringing 'the best of the best' to the club.  
Riise believes the Reds are in the most exciting period in their recent history – something he puts largely down to co-chairman Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
  
"This is the most exciting period during my time with Liverpool," the Norwegian told LFC Magazine. "Not just because of the players but also the plans for the new stadium and the new owners, too.
  
"We've got the best of the best here. We have one of the best managers in the world, one of the best stadiums on the way, great new owners and fantastic players.
  
"We've been able to go out and buy more expensive players than ever before thanks to the new owners. Players like Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun; those are the kind of players we need to take this club forward."
  
Riise, who has made 309 appearances since arriving on Merseyside in 2001, also admits to being impressed with his American bosses on a personal level.
  
He said: "I totally respect our new owners and what they are trying to do here. It seems like they care about the people and the club, and us players.
  
"Following the Barcelona game last season, they were giving us all a hug and a pat on the back. It was the same in Athens when we lost. That is great and tells us we have some great people around us."
  
Riise is currently with the Norway squad ahead of Euro qualifiers against Greece and Moldova.