‘Liverpool Legend’ joins Zenit

Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg have completed the signing of experienced Liverpool centre back Dejan Lovren on a three-year deal.

The 31-year-old Croatian, who signed from Southampton in 2014 for £20 million, has made the move to Zenit for an estimated fee of £10.9 million.

Lovren, who was contracted to Liverpool until August 2021, with the option to extend it by an addition year, made 131 league appearances for the Reds and scored five goals.

He helped Liverpool win the Champions League against Tottenham Hotspur last season and was part of the side that secured the Merseyside club their first Premier League title.

The centre half also helped his nation to a World Cup final in 2018, losing 4-2 to France. He has accumulated 57 caps for Croatia.

Manager Jurgen Klopp described him as “another Liverpool legend” and that “he was absolutely, a very, very important part of this team from the first day since I was in”.

Reds teammate Mohammed Salah said: “You’ve been an unbelievable player and a great friend for me. We’re going to miss you a lot.

“Thank you for everything you did for this club, thank you for everything you did for me. I wish you all the best in the future.”