The 27-year-old left-back last night secured a £4million switch to the Italian giants after seven years at Anfield.

Riise made 347 appearances for the Reds, scoring 31 goals, and was a key member of the side that won the Champions League in 2005 and FA Cup the following year.

Parry told the club's website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: "John has been a tremendous servant to Liverpool over many years and has played a key role in all of our recent triumphs.

"Everybody at Anfield would now like to wish him all the best in his new career in Italy."

Riise was signed from Monaco by former manager Gerard Houllier in 2001 and, aided by his powerful shot, soon established a reputation for scoring spectacular goals.

The highlights in his first season included a derby strike against Everton and a ferocious free-kick when Manchester United visited Anfield.

He also netted the fastest Carling Cup final goal of all time, after 45 seconds against Chelsea in 2005, and stunned the same opponents in the FA Cup semi-finals a year later.

His 2006-07 season was overshadowed by a controversial clash with then team-mate Craig Bellamy at a training camp in Portugal, for which the Welshman was disciplined.

Both players put that matter behind them with the goals in a famous win over Barcelona at the Nou Camp the following week.

Riise, however, endured an indifferent final season at the club, the nadir being a late own goal in the last minute of April's Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea.

His departure could be one of several from the club as boss Rafael Benitez reshapes his squad this summer, with Peter Crouch, Xabi Alonso and Scott Carson also linked with moves elsewhere.

Riise, who has signed a four-year deal with Roma, is likely to be replaced by Udinese left-back Andrea Dossena.

A £7million deal for the 26-year-old Italian is thought to be close to completion.

(re-opens)

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has also spoken of his admiration for his departing team-mate.

"John Arne has been a great player for Liverpool for six or seven seasons now," Carragher told the club's website.

"He has played nearly 350 games and scored a lot of goals. He won the Champions League with us and he's still at a good age, I think 27 or 28 now.

"He's played at a very high level for a long time now. He's never injured and he's a great professional who has always looked after himself. He can be very proud of what he's achieved with Liverpool."