Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren “considered” moves to Milan and especially Roma, but “I don’t deserve to go on loan and have someone checking my quality.”
The 30-year-old Croatia international was linked with Serie A throughout the summer, but both Roma and Milan were only prepared to take him on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season, largely due to concerns over his injury record.
Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren “considered” moves to Milan and especially Roma, but “I don’t deserve to go on loan and have someone checking my quality.”
The 30-year-old Croatia international was linked with Serie A throughout the summer, but both Roma and Milan were only prepared to take him on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season, largely due to concerns over his injury record.
“Yes, I did consider the move, I knew I gave my best for Liverpool and won the Champions League, and I am not kind of player that likes to be benched and earn money,” the defender told Sportske Novosti.
“Yes, some people around me advised me 'what do you care, you are in big club, shut up and take the money', but I am not happy sitting on the bench.
“Milan contacted me, but Roma was most persistent, but the negotiations didn't go well. I don't want to go somewhere and prove someone who I am and how do I play and am I ready or not.
“I am a professional, I have won the Champions League, won a World Cup silver medal, I achieved big things in football and don't deserve to go anywhere on loan and to have someone checking me and my quality.
“I feel very happy because all the time I felt Liverpool was by me, and I respect that a lot. Klopp told me: 'Listen, buddy, you are top-class player, we will not let you go on loan. We need you'.
“When he told me that, it was unclear to me because I know currently I am in worst position of all centre-backs in the team. But there will be a lot of matches, some injuries are possible too… I wanted to leave, it didn't happen, I was told Liverpool needs me and I accepted that. It was not meant to be for me to leave.
“I feel I am in my prime age, in great shape, mentally ready and you can’t buy experience. Not many players have played in the World Cup final and Champions League final as me.
“That is why Liverpool wouldn't let me go on loan. You have to pay to get quality and not go somewhere and prove something to someone.
“I feel relief after transfer window is closed. I got tired of reading and listening every day about me leaving or staying in Liverpool. Everyone wrote 'Dejan is here, Dejan is there', and knew nothing!
“It annoyed me, I got headache because of it throughout the summer. I didn't want to force my way out from Liverpool. Two years ago I signed four-year contract, enjoyed every moment in Liverpool, achieved big things and that could not be possible had I not been in such big club as Liverpool.”