John Arne Riise on Loss:
Thousands have sent the former soccer pro condolences, a vital source of support during his time of grief.
Former soccer star John Arne Riise, 45, has shared news of his grief following the passing of his father, Tormod Riise, on Saturday, as reported by Seher.
In a series of videos posted on Snapchat, the former footballer opened up about the loss and the difficult time the family is facing.
Riise admitted to his followers that the death has deeply affected him in recent days.
– It’s been some tough weeks and some tough days since my father passed away on Saturday. It’s been intense these last few days. There’s been a lot of emotion and not much sleep this past week,” he shared openly.
Riise also noted he’s received thousands of supportive messages from around the world, which he says means a great deal to him.
– It also shows how fantastic my father was,” Riise added.
Riise also shared that he hasn’t been fully focused mentally due to the difficult time, making daily training sessions more challenging.
– Dad passed away on Saturday. There hasn’t been much sleep lately, a lot of thoughts… but I’m getting to training. I’m happy about that, just taking it day by day. But I think people understand it’s not terribly easy to push yourself properly when things aren’t where they should be,” he said honestly.
The former left-back, who played for several top European clubs and the Norwegian national team throughout his long career, has previously spoken openly about the importance of family in his life, describing his father as one of his biggest supporters.
“The kindest and nicest person I’ve ever been around. I love you, Dad, and I’m going to take care of the family for you,” Riise wrote in the heartbreaking post sharing the news of his father’s death.
In 2003, Riise revealed that his biological father, Hans Eikrem, died at Tønsberg Hospital from cancer three years prior, at the age of 43.
– I think I was seven or eight years old. Bjørn Helge (Riise) was very young. But I don’t remember much of it – not Bjørn Helge either,” Riise told NRK at the time.
The soccer veteran also said that he and his brother were more or less adopted by Tormod Riise, which is why the brothers carry the Riise name.
– Tormod is my dad now. He took us in as his own, and we’re doing very well, all thanks to him. He’s also the reason I got over what happened with my dad so quickly. But I also think we gave Tormod a lot,” John Arne said in 2003.
