Dejan Lovren returns to Lyon after a decade’s absence after claiming he left the club “with regret”.

Croatian defender Dejan Lovren has returned to Lyon on a two-and-a-half-year deal, the Ligue 1 club have announced.

The 33-year-old made 72 appearances for the French club between 2010 and 2013 before moving to Southampton and then Liverpool.

He left Anfield as Premier League champion in 2020 and has since played for Zenit St Petersburg in Russia for the last three years.

Dejan Lovren had returned to Lyon for a second term on a two-and-a-half-year contract

Lovren welcomed the opportunity to return to Lyon, with the defender admitting he regretted leaving the club in 2013.

“I am very happy to return to Olympique Lyonnais,” said Lovren. “It was the club that opened the doors to international football for me, I will never forget that.

“I have many memories here, also many connections, especially with President Jean Michel Aulas, who has always supported me.

“I left Lyon with regrets in 2013 because I felt like I hadn’t shown everything. I want to show everyone what kind of player I really am.”

Lovren was a key member of the Croatia squad during the World Cup in Qatar

The Ligue 1 side said Lovren has a lot of experience at the highest level and has “all the qualities that manager Laurent Blanc wants.

The move, led by recruiting chief Bruno Cheyrou, was aimed at boosting the club’s capabilities in central defence.

Lovren has won national trophies in four countries, a Champions League win and consecutive top 3 World Cup finishes.

The central defender has joined the club immediately after remaining under contract with Zenit St. Petersburg for six months.

Lyon said Lovren has all the qualities coach Lauren Blanc is looking for

Lovren sent a farewell message to the Russian Premier League club after his departure.

“I really enjoyed the 2.5 years in the most beautiful city in the world,” wrote Lovren on Instagram. “I will carry many beautiful memories in my heart forever. I am proud to say that I enjoyed being your captain.

‘Me and my family want to say. Thanks to all the people we met here, to all the friendships we built. We will never forget you.

“Thank you to all the people in the club, I will miss you. It was a privilege for my teammates and the entire coaching staff to play and work with you. We will remain friends forever.

“I wish you the best of luck for the rest of the season, I know you can do it.”

Lyon have struggled so far this season and are currently eighth in Ligue 1

It could be the boost Lyon need to get their season back on track as they currently sit eighth in the league after 17 games.

They are already nine points adrift of the Champions League places and 20 points adrift of leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

An experienced winner like Lovren could have a decisive influence if Lyon are to climb up the Ligue 1 table later in the season.