Dejan Lovren has revealed a letter sent to him by Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson after the Croatian defender departed the club for Zenit St Petersburg.
After spending six seasons with Liverpool, Dejan Lovren departed the club this summer. At 31, the Croatian centre-half's playing-time had dwindled in Jurgen Klopp's side and he moved on to Zenit in the Russian Premier Division.
Throughout his time with the club, Lovren secured winners medals in both the Champions League and the Premier League. Although not a regular starter, the club captain Jordan Henderson was keen to ensure that the departing defender understood his value to Liverpool's success.
"It's impossible to think of Liverpool without you being with us and to be honest it hasn't really sunk in yet that you won't be coming back," wrote Henderson in a letter to Lovren that the latter shared via his Instagram account.
"You have been such a massive figure in our team and one of the biggest influences in helping drive us to the point we are at now; winners and champions.
"I hope you realise that in the game you are rightly considered one of the best in the world at what you do. For us and Croatia you instilled a mentality within the dressing-room of always keep fighting."
A World Cup-finalist with Croatia in 2018, Dejan Lovren moved to Liverpool in 2014 after an impressive season in the Premier League with Southampton.
"Even in times when it was tough for you," the letter reads, "you were still there for everyone else.
"I will never forget the support you gave me and difference you made to me in helping to lead this team. You were always a 'captain' yourself, without ever needing an armband. We all look up to you.
"Off the pitch, you are one of the biggest characters I've ever shared a dressing room with. Every player - no matter where in the world they come from or their circumstances, could connect with you. It's an unbelievable human quality.
"I miss you already, even though I keep expecting you to bowl back into Melwood and be in the middle of banter and discussions. I hope you realise how much we all appreciate what you gave for this club and us as a team. I can't thank you enough and I am always available if you or your amazing family need anything.
"Good luck for [the] future, but know you still have brothers in Liverpool if you ever need us."
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