Liverpool Merseyside derby star became salmon fisher after retirement
Liverpool’s Merseyside derby star Vegard Heggem became a salmon fisher after retiring from football.
The Norwegian full-back spent five years at Anfield, scoring three times in his 64 appearances for the Reds as well as winning the UEFA Cup in 2001. Sadly for Heggem, though, he was forced to retire aged just 27 in 2003 after missing the entirety of the previous season with a serious achilles injury.
Since hanging up his boots, the former Rosenborg defender has since returned to his hometown and become a salmon fisherman alongside the river Orkla in Norway.
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Heggem set up a lodge on the river, having grown up on a nearby farm, where he now works as a consultant on wild Atlantic salmon management and conservation.
The river is known as one of the best salmon fishing rivers in Norway. Heggem has also campaigned to protect wild salmon in Norway since ending his football career.
He opened up about the career change in 2016, telling Liverpool’s club website: “When I moved away to play football, I started to think about what to do when my playing days were over.
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(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: LFC TV)
“I’ve got a passion for fishing, in particular salmon fishing, so the idea of opening a fishing lodge seemed like a great idea. I can’t imagine a better job now than being host for fishermen from all over the world that come here to hunt for Atlantic salmon.”
Heggem appeared in four Merseyside derbies during his time in England, having signed for Liverpool from Rosenborg in 1998. He starred in a 3-2 home in April 1999 before losing 1-0 at Anfield the following season.
Both derbies he played in at Goodison Park ended in goalless draws, though. Liverpool host Everton on Monday night as the two sides renew their rivalry in Sean Dyche’s first derby as Toffees boss.
Liverpool go into the match on a run of five league matches without a win, dating back to December, following their 3-0 loss away to Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend. Meanwhile, Everton were boosted by a win against league leaders Arsenal last time out.
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