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Former Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher believes he left Anfield at the right time.
After a decade-long stint at Anfield, which began with a transfer from Ringmahon Rangers, Kelleher bid farewell to the Reds in June to join Brentford in a deal worth an initial $16.8 million, potentially rising to $24.3M with add-ons.
The Republic of Ireland international made 67 appearances for Liverpool's first team during his tenure. Last season saw him feature in 20 matches across all competitions, including 10 Premier League games, contributing to Liverpool's second title win in five years.
However, the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for $39.1M signalled it was time for Kelleher to seek pastures new. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Kelleher said: "The summer before I came close-ish to leaving [Liverpool].
"Then throughout the whole season I was wanting to be a No. 1 and obviously the next, and probably best time for me to move was going to be this summer. So, I was just focusing on last season trying to do well and play well.
"As it goes more towards the end of the season, you're thinking about the next year and the next season. It became apparent Brentford were interested in me and I think once they registered their interest I was quite keen and things moved quite quickly then. It plays in the back of your mind the whole season. I wanted to be a No. 1 and wanted to do that for this season."
The arrival of Mamardashvili, along with no indication of Alisson's departure, confirmed Kelleher's decision. His contract having only 12 months remaining was another potential factor behind his move to Brentford, as it was Liverpool's penultimate opportunity to receive a substantial transfer fee for him.
Moreover, Kelleher disclosed he had been contemplating leaving Liverpool for "the last number of years" as he aspired to become an established No. 1 - a goal that didn't materialise at the Reds.
He added: "Maybe it looks like that. To be fair, the last number of years, I was kind of more looking to get a move and to try being the No. 1.
"So I don't think it was a big thing for me whether it was this season or not. But I think the time, with one year left, added up to be right and the club obviously needed to make a decision as well and needed to sell."
Over the past few years, Kelleher has been hailed as the best second-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League by fans and pundits alike - a sentiment Kelleher was very much aware of. Commenting on those views, he replied: "Of course, you hear that kind of stuff.
"Listen, I think it's a nice compliment, obviously, up to a point. I played a lot last season and a lot the season before as well.
"I think for me the natural progression - and one that I've obviously been looking at for a number of years - is to be a No 1. It's a good compliment, but I want to be that No.1 and show people that I'm quite a good No. 1, as well."
However, Kelleher suffered a difficult start to his Brentford career, conceding three times as his new side were well beaten by Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the Premier League season.
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