July 27, 2020 - After six years in Liverpool, Croatian stopper Dejan Lovren has agreed on a transfer to Zenit Saint Petersburg, the English club announced on Monday.
Message from Liverpool
"Liverpool Football Club can confirm Dejan Lovren has joined Zenit Saint Petersburg in a permanent transfer.
The centre-back’s six-year spell with the Reds has come to a close after he signed a deal with the Russian Premier League side.
Lovren made 185 appearances for the club following a transfer from Southampton in July 2014, scoring eight goals.
The most famous of those was arguably the historic stoppage-time header against Borussia Dortmund in April 2016, which sent Liverpool into the Europa League semi-finals at the expense of Jürgen Klopp’s former team.
Lovren departs Anfield having played an important role in last season’s Champions League triumph and as part of the squad that has collected UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League honours during 2019-20.
Everybody at Liverpool Football Club would like to thank Dejan for his contribution over the years and wish him all the very best in his new challenge," said Liverpool FC.
Details of the transfer have not been revealed, but Lovren will reportedly go to Russia for 8.5 million euros in fixed compensation, and will sign a three-year contract with the Russian champions without the option of an automatic extension.
Mo Salah paid tribute to Lovren in a video message:
“I don’t know how to say, my friend. You don’t know my feeling right now. We’re really going to miss you a lot, especially me,” said Salah.
“You’ve been an unbelievable player and a great friend for me. We’re going to miss you a lot. I miss you a lot, I love you so much. You’ve been fantastic outside the field and inside the field.
“So, thank you for everything you did for the club, thank you for everything you did for me. I wish you all the best in the future and I wish you to have a great career as well, enjoying the new club with your family.
“Thank you very much and see you soon.”
As did coach Jurgen Klopp:
Leading fan sites in favor of Liverpool have previously said goodbye to the Croatia national team player, whom they thank for everything he has done for the club.
His goal against Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals of the Europa League in 2016 stands out, when he scored for 4:3 and took the Reds to the semifinal.
"Is Dejan Lovren the best player? No. But his story is inspiring. Escaping from wartime Bosnia as a refugee as a child, moving on and winning the Champions League, Premiership and silver at the World Cup is truly amazing. All the best, Dejan," wrote one fan on Twitter, and his post met with numerous reactions.
Lovren has played just ten league games for Liverpool this season, and during his four years at Anfield, he played 185 games for the club and scored eight goals.
With the Reds, he became world, European and English champions, and is now joining the ranks of the Russian champions.
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