Dejan Lovren believe Liverpool made a wise move to turn down loan offers from suitors during the summer negots
The Croatia defender was looking for away out of Anfield this summer with Roma and AC Milan keen to wrap up a deal.
But the Reds had turned down offers wanting the 30-year-old World Cup-silver medalist to leave Anfield on loan.
Speaking to Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti, Lovren backed Liverpool decision to shut doors of him leaving on loan but disclosed he wanted a permanent move out of Anfield.
"Milan contacted me and Roma was most persistent, but the negotiations didn't go well,” he told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti.
"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."
Liverpool opted to keep Lovren on their books after making it clear that they were only prepared to sanction a permanent and the defender believe the decision is a reflection on his quality.
"I wanted to leave, it didn't happen," he continued.
"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 not 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."