February 23, 2023 - Dejan Lovren retires from the Croatia national team and says goodbye in a letter to his fans on Instagram. 

You can find Dejan Lovren's letter to his fans transcribed below. 

"Dear national team, dear loyal fans,

I want to address you with some sad news, but believe me; I made this decision with an open heart and after much thought. This is quite difficult for me, and while I'm writing this, I'm trying not to cry, but you already know me well as a person with a heart and undisguised emotions.

The day has come when I have to say goodbye to the Croatia national team, even though I still see myself as an ardent fan who will always cheer on his national team.

As a child, I dreamed I would play in big tournaments in that most beautiful shirt with the checkers on it. I first wore those red and white checkers when I was nine years old, and I will never forget that special feeling - as if I was wearing Superman's cape. Like my hero Superman, I felt powerful, confident, and fearless.

Undescribable.

I will forever remember October 8, 2009, as the official debut for my homeland.

I went through all the youth selections, but I always wanted to feel the top of the pyramid, which is the A national team. This is where I could show my true skills to the whole world.

Honestly, I expected more from myself in the beginning. I was disappointed several times with my performances, I thought I could give a lot more, but some things didn't add up. I once even considered leaving you early. Youth-craziness, I didn't have much patience with myself. I hope you didn't take it for granted because in the end, I listened to my heart and continued, mainly because of you, dear fans.

I want to tell all young footballers that you should look at the Croatia national team differently than anything else - look at them as your superheroes.

The most beautiful side of this national team story is all we have achieved in the past five years. It's still like a big dream to me. So many emotions passed through me, especially in 2018 and 2022, that it is difficult to describe. I lived for such moments and experienced them with the greatest pride. I will never forget them, I will carry them forever in my heart.

I want to thank all the coaches for their cooperation, starting with my first one, Slaven Bilić, then through Igor Štimac, Nika Kovač, and Ante Čačić to Zlatko Dalić. Each of you left something behind, and I will be forever grateful because I learned a lot from each of you.

I want to thank all former and current teammates for a wonderful and unforgettable journey. We have had our ups and downs, laughed and cried together, and I will have you all in my heart forever. I have played with some of you for more than ten years together. I experience you as my brothers, you were there for me when I was really having a hard time. Thank you very much.

Thanks to all the people behind the scenes who have been there since day one. I can't name everyone in order, but we know very well who these people are. You are the core of this national team, you are not in the headlines, and maybe you don't get too much attention, but believe me - without you, we are nobody and nothing.

Finally, I would like to say that you have one new fan from now on. As before, we stand by each other, because our unity is of inestimable importance for the Croatia national team, it is our greatest strength.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Your Dejan"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dejan Lovren (@dejanlovren06)

Lovren played his last match for the Croatia national team in the 2022 World Cup semi-final against Argentina. He recorded 78 caps and five goals for Croatia throughout his national team career.  

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

June 17, 2021 - The Czech Republic and Croatia meet in Glasgow on Friday for their second Group D match. 

The day before the big clash with the Czech Republic, Zlatko Dalic and Dejan Lovren appeared in front of journalists, meaning that the head of defense returned to the Croatia squad, reports Jutarnji List. 

There has been a lot of speculation in recent days about the lineup for the Czech Republic, which Croatia must beat to advance to the second round. Lovren has been training at full speed again in recent days after an injury, and it is now clear that he will still start in the 2nd round and help Croatia in the hunt for their first points at the EURO.

Croatia lost in the first round to England (1:0), and the Czech Republic beat Scotland (2:0).

"Every defeat is hard for everyone, including us, even if it was at Wembley to England. We know that everything is still in our hands, we have a good atmosphere, and we desperately need the right result. I am optimistic about the matches against England and Belgium in which we were equal with the best teams in the world. We miss the attacking game; if we don’t fix it, we won’t do well. Therefore, we will put a more offensive team, play over the flanks and look for one-on-one actions. Everyone is ready except Barišić," said Zlatko Dalić to begin.

"There will be some changes in the lineup because we will arrange the game a little more offensively. We miss finishing and breakthroughs. I was the first to say that we were too weak in London, that we didn't have enough players to finish, that we lacked one-on-one breakthroughs. Without chances and goals, of course, there are no results."

Does the team have a winning spirit?

"We are not in a comfortable situation like the Czechs; we need a victory that would give us even more self-confidence. The guys are aware of that. I do not see any problems in that regard; we are motivated, we are ready."

He then pointed out something else:

"We are in a tough situation because we play away, without our fans who are our strength, without them, we are in a huge deficit, and we really miss that. Look at Denmark's support. Half of the teams play at home, we travel. It is not fair to us that there will be so few spectators in the stands."

A Scottish journalist asked Dalic about Borna Barišić and whether his absence was a great loss.

"It is a great pity for us that he is injured. He played great for the Rangers; when he arrived for the preparations, he got injured again, and he was not in the right shape and completely ready. We left him at home to prepare better; we need him for Scotland. So we have to give another player a chance."

On adapting from warm Rovinj to cold Glasgow, he said:

"We had nice weather in Rovinj; it was too hot in London and tough to run, it will be easier to play here in Glasgow. We will do our best."

Stopper Dejan Lovren has recovered from an injury that kept him out of games for a long time.

"I feel perfect, I am positive, I am available to the coach. I’m ready to play, and the coach decides. We expect a pretty tough game, but we have to play it the right way," said Lovren.

What kind of match can we expect?

"I expect a hard game. They feel more comfortable. They have a team that has been playing for years. We have to play smart, to do everything that the coach asks of us. No calculation, let's go for three points."

What do you expect between England and Scotland?

"We are not a team that will look at the other, only if we have to. We depend only on ourselves, and that is most important. We will concentrate on the Czech Republic. Everything is in our hands. It will not be easy for England against Scotland."

Lovren said he has been following Euro matches.

"I don't have anything smarter to do. We can single out France and Italy, and the biggest favorite, in my opinion, is France. However, Italy is also extraordinary, at the moment among the three best teams," concluded Lovren.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

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.

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.

?? @MoSalah's special farewell message to @Dejan06Lovren... pic.twitter.com/aqc4pNmO9L

— Liverpool FC (Premier League Champions ?) (@LFC) July 27, 2020

“Thank you very much and see you soon.”

As did coach Jurgen Klopp:

'He's been so important to us' ?

The boss pays tribute to @Dejan06Lovren after six years with the Reds... pic.twitter.com/P2DTY4FFTf

— Liverpool FC (Premier League Champions ?) (@LFC) July 27, 2020

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.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

September 6, 2019 - Croatia and Slovakia met in Trnava on Friday night as part of the Euro 2020 qualifiers. Three thousand Croatia fans made the trip to Slovakia to cheer on the 2018 World Cup finalists. 

The Croatia national football team returned on Friday to kick off the next round of the Euro 2020 qualifications. There are five games scheduled over the next three months, each of which could be decisive for Croatia’s spot in the competition next summer. The first in the series was played on Friday in Slovakia, which is followed by a visit to Baku against Azerbaijan three days later.

Croatia had an opportunity to move to the top of the group with Hungary, though Slovakia had the same plan in mind. Recall, Slovakia opened the qualifiers with a win against Hungary and a loss to Wales, but thanks to a 5:1 victory in Azerbaijan, they had a better goal differential than Croatia going into Friday’s qualifier. 

The World Cup finalists had not proven their true worth during these qualifications, though their win against Wales in Osijek gave coach Zlatko Dalic a bit of ease this summer. On Friday, however, Croatia was left without Ivan Rakitic and Mateo Kovacic, and a back injury for Tin Jedvaj put Croatia’s defense into question even more.

Croatia went into Friday’s game without the superstar lineup of the World Cup - and the starting 11 featured only captain Luka Modric, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Perisic, Marcelo Brozovic, and Ante Rebic from the silver-medalist squad. Dalic instead had to rely on Dinamo goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic in goal, Karlo Bartolec and Borna Barisic in the defense, and Nikola Vlasic and Bruno Petkovic in the attack. 

Croatia had their first real chance of the game in the 8th minute when Modric shot over the goal, which was followed by a Brozovic crossbar moments later. Livakovic saved Slovakia’s first chance at goal in the 11th minute. 

Croatia came out playing the attacking game Dalic said they would, and spent most of the first half pressuring Slovakia’s defense. However, Croatia’s biggest chance came in the 28th minute off a Modric corner when Vida missed directly in front of the goal. Croatia had three corners to Slovakia’s zero by then.

Petkovic dribbled through Slovakia’s defense in the 30th minute for a one-on-one chance with the keeper, though the goalie’s leg saved his weak shot. Just four minutes later, Perisic hit the crossbar - and in the 37th minute, Petkovic missed another chance from the penalty area. 

Opportunity after opportunity, Croatia was left without luck, that is, until the 45th minute when the young Nikola Vlasic nailed a goal in the far corner for 0:1 Croatia at the half.

The World Cup finalists kept their momentum in the second half, which shocked all spectators as a goal by Ivan Perisic increased the lead to 0:2 in the 46th minute! 

Slovakia had a chance in the 51st minute, which Livakovic had no problem saving. Petkovic had yet another chance a few minutes later but hit over the goal. An incredible play between Rebic and Perisic saw Brozovic miss. Croatia's attacking game showed no signs of slowing down, and by the 60th minute, they were running circles around Slovakia's defense. 

And then it finally happened for Dinamo star Bruno Petkovic in the 73rd minute, who danced around Slovakia's stopper to score for 0:3! 

Substitute Brekalo's fancy footwork almost increased the lead even more in the last 10 minutes of the game, and Pasalic hit just wide of the goal with five minutes to go. 

It was more than clear that Croatia wasn't done scoring yet, and a diving header by defender Dejan Lovren increased the lead to 0:4 in the 87th minute, which was the final score of the game.

The 'Vatreni' will play Azerbaijan next on Monday at 6 pm in Baku.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

TCN recently announced that Zvonimir Boban left his role at FIFA to return to AC Milan as the club's Chief Football Officer. Now, in collaboration with Paolo Maldini, he is preparing a team that should compete for the biggest medals in Italy.

In all likelihood, this team should feature a strong Croatian contingent, and if all goes to plan, Boban is looking to bring four Croatian players to Milan this summer, reports Index.hr on June 27, 2019. 

Namely, the former Deputy Secretary General of FIFA is after Andrej Kramarić and Nikola Moro, and has allegedly already started negotiations, writes the Italian media. Additionally, AC Milan could even see the promising Josip Brekalo and Dejan Lovren.

"Now that Zvone is back in Milan, the club is back in a good position," said Andrej Kramarić’s agent recently about the possible transfer of the 28-year-old footballer who currently plays for Hoffenheim. While Milan is not the only club after the Croatian striker, by the sounds of it, they’re the closest to bringing him to Serie A. The transfer should amount to about 30 million euro.

Dinamo's Nikola Moro also has Boban’s interest, and Milan allegedly already sent an official offer to Maksimir, though the price the Italians will have to pay for the young Croat will inevitably be higher. Boban was also impressed by Josip Brekalo at the U21 Euros in San Marino. 

In Croatia’s final game against England, Brekalo scored two goals, which was all Boban needed to see to try to bring him over to the club this summer. 

It is known that the new Milan coach Giampaolo wants to play in the 3-5-2 formation, which requires another stopper. One of the leading candidates is yet another Croat, Dejan Lovren. The Liverpool defender has lost his place in the first 11, and it is not unlikely that he will soon find somewhere new to continue his career. So why not Milan?

This is just some of the Croatian transfer news, as Mateo Kovačić should sign with Chelsea today, Ivan Peršić could see a move to Arsenal, and Ivan Rakitić could be leaving his beloved Barcelona. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has become the tenth Croatian footballer to win the Champions League, reports Gol.hr on June 1, 2019. 

Before him, the Champions League title was claimed by Alen Bokšić, Zvonimir Boban, Davor Šuker, Dario Šimić, Igor Bišćan, Mario Mandžukić, Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, and Mateo Kovačić. Some Croatian footballers won the European title in the former state. Recall, Robert Prosinečki won as a member of Red Star in the European Cup in May 1991. The Belgrade team defeated Olympique de Marseille 5:3 (0:0) after a penalty shoot-out.

This was Lovren’s second Champions League final. Liverpool lost to Real Madrid in the final last year, but in their second attempt, they celebrated 2:0 over Tottenham.

Luka Modrić holds the Croatian record with four Champions League titles and all four won with Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018). Mateo Kovačić has three European titles, also with Real Madrid (2016, 2017, 2018), while Dario Šimić was the European champion twice with Milan (2003, 2007).

The first Croatian footballer to win the Champions League was Alen Bokšić in 1993 with Marseille in Munich at the Olympic Stadium. The French club celebrated against Milan 1:0. Bokšić played the whole match, and it was the first edition of the 'Champions League'. Bokšić played in the final four years later with Juventus. Interestingly, at the same stadium, though Juve lost to Borussia Dortmund 1:3.

Just like Boksić, Zvonimir Boban played in two finals and has one title. The former Croatia captain won the European crown with Milan in 1994 in Athens demolishing Barcelona 4:0. A year later, Milan played in the final again, but Ajax won 1:0 in Vienna.

The current president of the Croatian Football Federation and the best goalscorer in the history of the Croatia national team Davor Šuker won the European championship in 1998 in the jersey of Real Madrid after defeating Juventus 1:0. Šuker went on in the 88th minute for Predrag Mijatović.

Dario Šimić has European crowns with Milan after winning in 2003 against Juventus (3:2, penalties), and 2007 against Liverpool (2:1). However, Šimić watched both finals from the stands.

He also did not perform in the 2005 final where Milan lost to Liverpool. In that final, after a miraculous turnaround, Igor Bišćan celebrated with the Reds, though he followed the match from the stands. The Italian club was up 3:0, but Liverpool managed to equalize in the second half and forced the game to penalties. 

Mario Mandžukić won the Champions League in 2013 in the Bayern jersey, defeating Borussia Dortmund at Wembley 2:1. Mandžukić then became the first Croat to score in the final of the Champions League, and the sixth Croatian footballer to win the most elite European competition. "Super Mario" scored for 1:0 in the 60th minute.

The following year, Luka Modrić won the first of four European titles with Real Madrid. In the final in Lisbon, Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 4:1 after extra time. It was Luka to assist Sergio Ramos in the third minute of extra time for 1:1.

The next season, the European crown went to Barcelona. The Catalan club celebrated in the final against Juventus 3:1, and Rakitić put Barca in the lead in the 4th minute, making him the second Croat to score in the Champions League final after Mandžukić. Rakitić also became the first Croatian footballer to win the Champions League and the Europa League with two different clubs after celebrating with Sevilla in 2014. Mateo Kovačić later joined him.

For the last three years, the European title was won by Real Madrid with the Croatian duo Modrić and Kovačić. Real defeated Atletico Madrid after a penalty shootout in 2016 in Milan, a year later they defeated Juventus 4:1 in Cardiff and last year they overcame Liverpool 3:1 in Kyiv.

Seven Croatian footballers have lost in the final, including Ivica Olić, Danijel Pranjić, Boris Živković, Marko Babić, Jurica Vranješ, Igor Tudor, and Dado Pršo.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

Barcelona hosts Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday. It is the battle of the Croatians, as Ivan Rakitić and Dejan Lovren meet, reports Gol.hr on April 30, 2019. 

Unlike Tottenham and Ajax, who, contrary to all expectations, advanced to the Champions League semi-final, Barcelona and Liverpool, the more likely clubs in this stage of the competition, are two 'heavyweight clubs that have won 10 European titles overall. 

Interestingly, both Barcelona and Liverpool have five titles, and both clubs have been defeated three times in the final.

Barcelona’s last final was in 2015 when they won the Champions League title, while Liverpool lost to Real Madrid last summer and has been waiting to wear the European crown since 2005. 

Regardless of the semi-final outcome, Croatian football has yet another reason to be proud, as one Croatian will be in the Champions League final on June 1st at Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid - Dejan Lovren or Ivan Rakitić.

After an injury, Lovren should finally be ready for the match tonight, but whether he will play in Liverpool’s starting lineup is questionable. Rakitić, one the other hand, is one of Barcelona's biggest hopes.

Barcelona already claimed the La Liga title on Saturday and can focus all of their attention to the Champions League, while Liverpool continues to run an exhausting battle on the two fronts, the Premier League and the Champions League. Two rounds before the end of the championship, Manchester City is one point ahead of Liverpool. The ‘Reds’, however, are hoping to clinch the Premier League title; one they have been waiting for since 1990.

"The fact that we are in the semifinal of the Champions League, and just before winning the Championship, makes us happy and hungry for new victories. You can always play better and get to these games in a better way, but we will play with a real desire to go to the final,” Rakitić said.

"I believe we have learned something from the previous seasons and we will now try to end this season perfectly,” he added.

"The most important thing now is to prepare well and play our game as usual. Our idea is not to score a single goal, but we cannot think of the return game now. We have to go for the victory but play calm. Liverpool can be dangerous, so we will have to be 100% concentrated,” Rakitić said.

And what will it be like playing against Lovren?

"I have great respect for him. All teams that are led by coach Jurgen Klopp have always been arranged well and he has drawn the best out of the players. I hope we stop them as soon as possible and then impose our own rhythm of the game. I also hope to score as soon as possible. The defense, however, is strong and they do not make it easy to score goals,” concluded Rakitić.

Barcelona and Liverpool will meet at 21:00 tonight.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

No matter how the semifinals end, Croatia will have one representative in the Champions League final on June 1st in Madrid.

ZAGREB, January 28, 2019 - A Zagreb court has dropped perjury charges against Croatian national football team player Dejan Lovren, Hina was told on Monday. Lovren, who currently plays with Liverpool FC, was charged with giving false testimony at the trial of the former boss of Dinamo Zagreb, Zdravko Mamić, and another three defendants.

The indictment was issued by the Osijek County Prosecutor's Office on 19 September 2018 and was dismissed on 25 January.

The ruling may be appealed within three days of its receipt.

According to unofficial information, the indictment was dropped for the same reasons as in the perjury case of another member of the national football team, Luka Modrić. In his case the same court found that there was no probable cause to try him.

Prosecutors argued that on 1 September 2017, at a hearing in the trial of Zdravko Mamić and others, Lovren consciously lied under oath regarding his transfer from Dinamo Zagreb.

According to court records, an annex was signed to a contract entitling Lovren to 50 percent of the compensation of his transfer from Dinamo Zagreb to French side Lyon in 2010. The rest was set aside for Dinamo.

As part of his testimony, Lovren claimed the annex was inserted before his transfer to Lyon, but prosecutors alleged that the annex was signed after the defender's move and then backdated.

More news on the Zdravko Mamić case can be found in the Sports section.

More than 807 films from 91 countries were introduced at this year's Zagreb TourFilm Festival, and the best among them were screened during the last three days at Kaptol Boutique Cinema.