Dejan Lovren signs lucrative new Liverpool deal
Liverpool confirmed on Friday that Croatian centre-back has extended his contract to 2021 with the option of an extra year.Liverpool v. Chelsea live online
Liverpool's Croatian defender Dejan Lovren confirmed on Friday he has signed a new long-term contract which will keep him at Anfield until 2021, with the option of an extra year. The new deal will reportedly see him earning £100,000 per week
Lovren thrilled with new Liverpool deal
The 27-year-old joined the Reds from Southampton in 2014 on a deal worth £20 million and has made 105 appearances since then. "This is one special day for me and my family. I think I am the happiest guy (in the world) today, it's another dream come true. It was always my dream to stay as long as possible at one club that I love - and that is Liverpool. I want to be remembered as someone who have his all for LFC", he said today.
Lovren has endured some difficult times since his arrival at Anfield and has received criticism from section of the fans but feels that he has become a better player under Jürgen Klopp.
"When Jürgen came in, he changed me a lot. Not just me, he changed a lot of players with the mentality, working hard on the pitch, on the training ground and he is still fresh here because it's only a year and half, but everyone has seen the big difference," the player told liverpoolfc.com.
Thursday's goalless draw in the Manchester derby means Liverpool remain in third place - one point ahead of City and two ahead of United, but with both of the Mnachester teams having a game in hand. However, with four matches left to play, Lovren is confident they can achieve their aim of securing Champions League football: "I would be stupid if I was to say we don't believe in this. We started the season so strong and we believed from day one in pre-season - and we are still believing. Unfortunately, we had some injuries and we were unlucky in those moments, but we still have a big squad with young talents.
Klopp praises Lovren
Klopp meanwhile said that Lovren is key to the team’s progress. "Dejan is a big presence for us on the pitch and in the dressing room - this is wonderful news that he has committed to LFC for such a long time. It is our intention to build this squad around the great talent we already have. He is an outstanding defender and someone who, I believe, still has his best times to come as a player."