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Zenit's Lombaerts confirms plan to join Oostende in the summer

REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

Veteran Belgium international Nicolas Lombaerts announced Friday that he would be leaving Zenit St. Petersburg in the summer for a return to his homeland with KV Oostende.

Zenit confirmed Lombaerts decision with a statement on its website, adding, "Zenit wish to thank Nicolas Lombaerts for his ten incredible seasons at the club and will do what we can to help him enjoy the last months of a career in St. Petersburg!"

Lombaerts deal with Zenit was set to expire in summer 2018, and the Russians did not disclose the fees and terms of his move to the Jupiler League. Oostende later confirmed that Lombaerts had signed a three-year deal with the club.

"I'm glad that everything is already in the bag," Lombaerts said Friday during his unveiling.

Since joining the Russian top-flight side in 2007 from Gent, the 39-time Red Devil has made 286 appearances for the club, bagging 11 goals while registering six assists.

With Zenit, Lombaerts won the league on four occasions to go with three domestic cups and the 2007-08 UEFA Cup where the Blue-White-Sky Blues topped Manchester United 2-1 under Dick Advocaat.

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