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Lovre Kalinic admits his failed transfer to Aston Villa three years ago led to some ‘silent suffering’.

Villa made a move for Croatia goalkeeper Kalinic in January 2016 but he was denied a work permit and the deal to sign him from Hajduk Split collapsed.

Kalinic is now a regular with his country, though, and was part of their historic squad which reached the World Cup final in July, meaning a work permit wasn’t an issue this time around.

Speaking to 24 Sata: “England was my 'silent suffering', I always wanted to (be) 'on the island', at the stadiums, in front of the best football atmosphere.

“It's no small thing that they offered me a contract for 4.5 years and now I have to justify it in the field.”

Were there any fears that the transfer could fall through again? Not according to Kalinic.

“Ha, maybe because I had no time to think, it all happened very quickly,” he joked. “My first thought was that I was obviously destined to play for Aston Villa.

“Since the transfer failed, somehow I was watching what was happening to them, watching the results, although I could not even dream of ending one day there. Eventually, however, I arrived in Birmingham.”

Kalinic eventually left Hajduk Split for Belgian side Gent in 2017 and impressed in the Jupiler Pro League, claiming the goalkeeper of the year award in his first season.

His continued progression, and Villa’s inability to replace last season’s No.1 Sam Johnstone adequately, prompted head coach Dean Smith to request the claret and blues return for Kalinic.

Kalinic said: “At the entrance to the (training) camp you can see how big a club is and what history it has. They presented a project of return, investment, plans, talk with coach and goalkeeper coach. I liked it, accepted the challenge and entered the risk.

“Never in my career did I look for a quiet harbor where everything was done and where I would sail peacefully. Challenges have always been an additional motive.

“I just came to the front of the road with Danijel Subasic, who came to Monaco when they were at the bottom of the Second French League, and he said to me, ‘Your son does not go crazy, this is your right opportunity, take it’."

According to sources in Kalinic’s homeland, Gent will receive £7million from Villa for the the 28-year-old while they’re also entitled to 40 per cent of future sales.

Kalinic continued: "Believe me that I do not know any transfer numbers except my salary. Aston Villa knew my terms in Gent, knew I was happy there and had to offer more, and they did.

“But it is not the most important (thing), money, in the whole story. It was nice to ensure existence, but my goals were above all sporting.”