Liverpool have launched an investigation into how John Arne Riise's payslip appeared on the internet.

The pay-slip shows details of the Norwegian player's basic monthly salary of £139,634.

It contains the Norwegian defender’s monthly salary, appearance bonus, points bonus, Champions League salary increase, and charges made for complimentary meals and tickets.

The pictures also reveal his home address and national insurance number which has been obscured here. Under staff department it says: player.

Yesterday an email containing the images spread like wildfire throughout Ulster circulating to people's inboxes. It also appeared on several internet forums.

Liverpool spokesman said: "We are taking the matter extremely seriously and we are investigating."

Riise (27) is said to be concerned that personal information such as home address has been revealed. One of the images shows a hand clutching the payslip marked "Private and Confidential".

The images appear to have been taken in April and outline his wages last September.

Sources close to the star said the player was convinced the pay slip was stolen. A police spokesman said: “As far as we are aware no complaints have been made so far.”

Riise, earns around £2.5m a year at Anfield. He became Liverpool's first signing during the 2001 summer break, when he moved from Monaco in a £4m transfer deal.