Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to Dejan Lovren after the defender made a 10.9 million pound delivery to St. Petersburg Zenit.
The Croatian foreigner finished a six-year era at Anfield after only 15 appearances this season, falling to the fourth centre-back pick in the hierarchy Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
Lovren, who has been suffering from minor injuries for more than two years, is about to enter the last year of his contract, but Liverpool decided not to take an option for a 12-month extension to allow the central defender to sign a contract. three-year contract with the Russian club.
“Another Liverpool legend who leaves the club, because he was absolutely a very, very important part of this team from the first day since I was in,” Klopp told liverpoolfc.com.
Always engaged. Always passionate. Thank you, Dejan ❤️ #YNWA pic.twitter.com/gefEFKm1RY
“When I was fit, I was very, very, very on the team. A wonderful player and a wonderful person.
“Really well, in the air a machine, and I enjoyed running with it.
“It will be attractive to stay at Zenit St. Petersburg now. I wish you good luck.
Lovren’s most important moment in a Liverpool blouse came when he scored a header injury time to beat Borussia Dortmund 4-3 at Anfield in a Europa League quarter-final lap match that paved the way for them to succeed in the final in 2016.
His lowest point was withdrew after only 31 minutes of the 4–1 loss to Tottenham in October 2017.
“He played some wonderful matches and scored one of the greatest vital goals in our history in 4-3 against Borussia Dortmund; a truly glorious moment to share,” Klopp added.
“He’s had so many smart games. Yes, I don’t think he’s going to like the Tottenham game when I eliminated it in the first half, but he’s a component of football and progression, and he’s back.
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