Times Online and AFP
Win a £1500 Raymond Weil watch
John Arne Riise has revealed his misery at the own goal that threatens to derail Liverpool's Champions League challenge. The Norwegian defender is still coming to terms with heading into his own net in the last minute of stoppage time, gifting Chelsea a 1-1 draw in the semi-final first leg at Anfield.
"What can I say?" Riise said. "I'm ashamed and devastated. Sometimes you experience these things and for defenders it happens from time to time. Now it has happened to me.
"I know how strong I am mentally, and what really matters is how you recover. I've experienced tougher things and I know I will learn from this. I'm disappointed, but I won't go around and hang my head. I have to use this as something positive."
Riise, who also scored an own goal against Luton in the FA Cup this season, was so down he didn't even speak to his brother in the aftermath of Tuesday's match. Bjorn Helge Riise, who plays for Lillestrom, said: "I tried getting in contact with John Arne after the game. Eventually he sent me back a text message saying, 'I don't want to speak. I'm so disappointed. Give me a call back in a couple of days and we'll speak then.'"
The defender's future at Anfield was far from certain before his mistake and he admitted his hopes of earning an extension to his current contract, which runs out next year, were hardly improved. "I hope and still believe in a new contract with Liverpool," he said. "But I cannot say definitely that I have a future here when I only have one year left of my deal and haven't heard anything from the club yet."
Industry sectors news at a glance. Interactive heatmap, video and podcast
Everything the Business Traveller needs to know to make a better trip
Get ready for the winter sports season, with our resort guides and snow reports
We are backing British business, what is the confidence of the nation and what businesses are succeeding?
Growing demand for energy, oil that is harder to reach and the rise of carbon dioxide emissions. We examine the energy challenge
With rail travel in Europe on the rise, we review the benefits of travelling by train
In this special section we explore new food trends to help improve your dinner party and impress guests
Enjoy further reading from Travel to Fashion, Business to Sport, discover more
1998
£47,955
2004
£56,950
Essex
Check your free Experian credit report before applying
Car Insurance
£100,000
Barnardos
UK
£123,460 pa
The Law Commission
London
Hampshire County Council
Competitive + bonus + benefits
Manchester United
Central London
Moments from Battersea Park.
For sale with Winkworth
Find out about shared ownership.
See your free Experian credit report beforehand
Includes flights, accommodation with room upgrades, transfers city tours in Hong Kong and Bangkok.
PremierHolidays.co.uk
For your ultimate tailor-made ski holiday, click here
Get covered on your travels with a superb range of policies at great prices. Visit InsureandGo.com
Choose from the beautiful landscape and tranquil beaches of Oahu, Kauai, Maui & Big Island.
Contact our advertising team for advertising and sponsorship in Times Online, The Times and The Sunday Times, or place your advertisement.
Times Online Services: Dating | Jobs | Property Search | Used Cars | Holidays | Births, Marriages, Deaths | Subscriptions | E-paper
News International associated websites: Globrix Property Search | Milkround
Copyright 2009 Times Newspapers Ltd.
This service is provided on Times Newspapers' standard Terms and Conditions. Please read our Privacy Policy.To inquire about a licence to reproduce material from Times Online, The Times or The Sunday Times, click here.This website is published by a member of the News International Group. News International Limited, 1 Virginia St, London E98 1XY, is the holding company for the News International group and is registered in England No 81701. VAT number GB 243 8054 69.