Lovren: I had better offers financially – but I wanted Liverpool

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The Reds defender says he was enticed ‘from the first day’ by the Anfield side’s talented squad and ‘great manager.’

Dejan Lovren says he had ‘better offers financially’ than the one he received from Liverpool – but insists he wanted to join up with Brendan Rodgers ‘from the first day.’

The 25-year-old completed a £20 million switch from Southampton this summer and has already settled in well at Anfield, scoring on his debut in the friendly win against Borussia Dortmund.

And Lovren says he chose the Reds because of the size of the club, the ability of the players – and the quality of the manager.

“I had better offers financially but from the first day I said I want to come to Liverpool,” he told reporters.

“I want to achieve something here because I know this club is big and Brendan Rodgers is a great manager.

“There is a lot of talent here – amazing players – and last season they showed they can do something. I’m really confident in this team.”

Lovren enjoyed a successful debut campaign in the Premier League last season, even scoring at Anfield when the Saints beat Liverpool 1-0 in the league.

As Opta stats show, the Croatian won more tackles and interceptions per game than any Liverpool centre-back in the top flight, while also faring impressively in the air and with his clearances.

Now Reds fans will hope Lovren can show that form at Anfield, to fix a defence that conceded 50 goals last term.