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John Arne Riise, the former Liverpool defender, has admitted that he did not want to play for another English club after leaving Merseyside to join Roma, of Italy, last summer.

The 27-year-old Norway international, who will line up for his country against the Republic of Ireland tonight, says that he rejected offers from a number of Barclays Premier League clubs.

“I didn't have to leave because I had another year left [on my contract],” Riise said. “But I did want to be playing regularly and I didn't feel that would happen this season if I stayed.

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“I spent seven years at Liverpool and played more than 250 games. The challenge in Italy was the right one for my career and the time was right to change to another country.

“It was sudden. One day I was a Liverpool player, the next I was going to leave. I just wanted to make sure I got the best possible club. There was no way I was going to be comfortable playing for another English club, and I had plenty of offers from other clubs in the Premier League.

Riise will tonight find himself in direct competition with Robbie Keane, the Ireland captain, who joined Liverpool from Tottenham Hotspur in a £20.3million transfer last month.

“He [Keane] is a fantastic player and a fantastic signing for the club,” Riise said. “I knew he was a Liverpool fan from his childhood and this is the best move of all those he has had in his career.

“He could be the reason Liverpool will challenge for a title. Over the last couple of years, his work-rate has really improved and he is difficult to mark because he is always on the move.

“He is a good link-up player and a very, very good finisher inside the box. He is a smart, intelligent player and playing behind [Fernando] Torres could be very crucial.”