Dejan Lovren opens up on why he left Liverpool and Salah friendship

Croatian star Dejan Lovren has revealed that he has no remorse about his departure from Liverpool to Zenit St Petersburg ahead of the current season.

After winning the Champions League and Premier League title with the Reds, the erstwhile Liverpool centre-back opted to leave the Reds and take up a new challenge in Russia.

In an interview with The Athletic Sports News, Lovren said:

“I don’t regret anything, Liverpool's spate of defensive injuries this season hasn't made him question his decision to leave. When I took my decision, it was the right thing to do at that moment.

“It’s like saying after the draw has already taken place, ‘Why didn’t you circle the correct lotto numbers?’, as if you knew that was going to happen. It doesn’t work like that.

“It was difficult because I had a life there with the kids going to school. My wife and I had our daily habits. And when you have friends like with me and [Mohamed] Salah, of course, you’re disappointed you are leaving.

"But you understand that it’s part of football. In a football career, you are bound to change clubs at times. I accepted it. I moved on quite quickly because I was straightaway focused on my next challenge with Zenit.

“I still watch the Liverpool games when I have the time and also the Spanish, German and French leagues too. In every league, I have international teammates or players I have played with.

"Of course, I still love Liverpool and want to see them do well. I’ve been talking with (Xherdan) Shaqiri a bit. The captain Jordan Henderson, we message, and with Gini (Wijnaldum) too. But Salah is in first place!"

The Croatian defender spent six seasons at Anfield, making just 10 Premier League appearances for the Reds last season before moving to Russia.

Lovren's decision to join Zenit has paid off, as he's been a vital part of a side that recently clinched the Russian Premier League title. 

He was also recently named in Croatia's squad for Euro 2020 and he is set to play a big role once again for the 2018 World Cup finalists.