Liverpool cult hero was left penniless two years after winning the Champions League

John Arne Riise was declared bankrupt just two years after winning the Champions League with Liverpool. The left-back played a crucial role at Anfield during Rafael Benitez's tenure, but struggled with financial issues off the field.

Riise is best known for his thunderbolt of a left-footed shot and some unique hairstyles. The Norwegian scored an impressive 31 goals in 348 appearances for Liverpool, mostly from left-back. He also played on the left wing and in midfield. Having joined the Reds in 2001, the now-44-year-old left for Roma in 2008. He returned to the Premier League for a three-year spell with Fulham in 2011.

With Liverpool, Riise won the Champions League and the 2006 FA Cup. However, only two years after Benitez's side lifted the European title in 2005, Riise was declared bankrupt at Liverpool County Court.

Despite reportedly earning around £50,000 per week at Liverpool, Riise was listed as bankrupt on the government's Insolvency Service website. It is understood that the bankruptcy order related to a £100,000 debt Riise owed in Norway.

After retiring, Riise was reportedly sued by his ex-wife, who alleged that he had drained money from one of their children's bank accounts. He went on to appear on a Norwegian television show with experts who help people in difficult financial situations.

Riise, who has played in Liverpool charity matches since retiring, was helped by Norwegian economist Silje Sandmael. He later blamed his situation on an excessive lifestyle while he was a player.

Speaking about taking part on the show, Riise said: "When I was a professional, the clubs did everything for me. This applied to mobile bills, daycare, other bills, school and so on. The only thing I had to do was bring a toiletry bag to training. That's how I felt from the time I was 17 until I was 36 years old. Then I have to admit that I was tempted and dazzled by seeing what all the other players had. I was young and dreamed of having their life.

"Having a system for my bills when I returned home to Norway was difficult. That was my problem. I paid everything late, because I hadn't done it before and wasn't very good at admitting it to myself."