Dejan Lovren has left Liverpool to sign for Zenit St. Petersburg on the Russian side.
The 31-year-old Croatian defender has signed a three-year contract worth around 12 million euros (£11 million/$14 million), ending his six-year stay at Anfield.
Lovren has fallen out of favor in recent years and made just 10 Premier League appearances in the 2019-20 season.
Lovren signed through Brendan Rodgers after an impressive first season at Southampton, having in the past represented Dinamo Zagreb, Inter Zapresic and Lyon.
He was a mainstay of the Reds’ team under Rodgers and in the early years of Jurgen Klopp, reaching the Europa League and League Cup finals before Liverpool’s recent wave of trophies.
Perhaps Lovren’s highlight in red came in this Europa League race, his stoppage-time header against Borussia Dortmund sealing a dramatic progression to the semi-finals.
In total he played 185 for Liverpool, scoring 8 goals.
Now, with Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez at the helm, Lovren is keen to move on in search of more consistent football in the first team.
A Liverpool said: “Lovren is leaving Anfield after playing a significant role in last season’s Champions League triumph and as part of the squad that won honours in the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League in 2019-20.
“Everyone at Liverpool Football Club would like to thank Dejan for his contribution over the years and wish him all the best in his new endeavor. “
Zenit was the only team interested in signing Lovren, with Roma also connected and at least two Premier League clubs that have made inquiries.
Liverpool were keen to make sure they didn’t have to sell the defender at a reduced price and recently activated an extension clause in his contract that is set to expire in the summer of 2021.
Speaking to Sky Sports last month, Lovren admitted he was not satisfied with his role as the fourth team at Anfield.
“Of course, it’s not the happiest moment when I see myself on the bench, but it’s a coach’s decision,” Lovren said.
“I respect him and I’m the guy who will play 200% behind closed doors. It’s part of football. If only 20 players can play, it would be good, but there are only 11 places. Whoever is in better shape will play and that’s pretty fair. “
He told Zenit’s official online page that he had changed: “I am satisfied and proud to register with Zenit. I would like to thank Sergei Semak and Alexander Medvedev for making this resolution possible.
“I can’t wait for the fans to return to the stadiums in full, and not just 10% or half, but absolutely full. We have such a big and trendy stadium that it is absolutely full!For my part, I’m going to check I want to earn the respect of enthusiasts with my way of playing and my hard paints in training. I know it probably won’t be easy, but I’m going to put all my power and strength into it. “
While Lovren is pleased to take on a new challenge, he will be missed by those he leaves at Anfield, especially Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian Reds boss said in a farewell message to his close friend on the club’s official website: “I don’t know how to say it, my friend. You don’t know my feelings right now. We’re going to miss you so much, especially me. “
“You’ve been an amazing player and a wonderful friend to me. We will miss you very much. I miss you so much, I love you so much. You’ve been on and off the court.
“So, thank you for everything done for the club, thank you for everything done for me. I wish them the most productive in the long term and also wish them a wonderful career, enjoying the new club with their family. “
“Thank you very much and see you soon. “