Shia LaBeouf says his run in ‘Transformers’ ends on a high note

MOSCOW — As he promoted “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” at the film’s world premiere the other day in the Russian capital, Shia LaBeouf seemed more interested in talking about making a big chunk of the movie in Chicago last summer.

“At least I didn’t get into trouble on this film,” quipped LaBeouf — referring to his infamous late-night arrest at the Streeterville Walgreens for being publicly intoxicated and refusing to vacate the premises. That happened while he was filming “Eagle Eye” in 2007.

At this point, LaBeouf said, “Instead of revisiting that experience with the Chicago police, I’d rather give a great shout-out to the police officers — plus the fire department and former Mayor Daley — for all they did for us to make it possible to make this picture in a way that matched [director] Michael Bay’s vision.”

The actor also “could not believe what a festival it was. There were, like, 200,000 people who came out to watch us totally destroy Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive!

“I’ve never seen anything like it. … And having those thousands of people there cheering us on really gave us a big boost. It was better than any energy drink.”

LaBeouf admitted the second “Transformers” flick was “a disappointment — even if it did make a ton of money.” He’s much happier with the third installment — and insists will be his last outing as Sam Witwicky.

“I love the guy,” LeBeouf said, “but I think we’ve wrapped up this series where it should be and on a high note.”

The actor was “happily surprised” with Victoria’s Secret model and acting newcomer Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who replaces Megan Fox as his “Transformers” love interest.

Initially, “I wasn’t convinced that Rosie would be up to it. … I told her this is not about becoming a movie star. This is tough work. It’s a lot of fun, but totally demanding — both physically and because you have to deal with Michael,” a notoriously tough taskmaster.

“I was watching very carefully, the first time she fell down and scraped her knee. I wondered, ‘Would she run off to her trailer and demand a break — or would she man up and keep going?’

“When she didn’t even blink, I knew we had the right girl!”