Caoimhin Kelleher has opened up on why he believes it was the right time for him to swap Liverpool for Brentford last summer.
The Cork native insists, first of all, that his search for regular first-team football was the driving force behind his move from the Reds to the Bees.
But the 27-year-old also admits the tragic loss of his friend Diogo Jota, which he believes is still having a major impact on the Liverpool squad, made it even more important for him to embrace a fresh start elsewhere.
“Listen, from an individual aspect, for me to leave and play first-team football was obviously right, never mind the tragedy that happened,” Kelleher told the Independent in Britain.
“I stay in touch with some of the guys there, I have a lot of good friends there. It’s a very difficult time for them, a difficult season, with circumstances that people probably aren’t taking into account too much.
“But it’s probably been a bit easier for me, being away from it, and not being in such close proximity to it every day.
“I find it a bit strange and a bit difficult when I hear people speaking about the players at Liverpool and the performances, because I don’t think this season is even important from a football aspect for them to be honest. It’s more about them personally and mentally.
“Obviously, football is a massive sport and people have an opinion, which is natural. People expect you to move on quite quickly, and I don’t think that’s the case.”
Back to on the pitch matters and the former Ringmahon Rangers star is already looking ahead to the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup playoff against Czechia in March.
“We all have a massive dream of bringing Ireland to a World Cup,” added Kelleher.
“Like we showed in the Portugal game when the pressure was on and we needed a win, we got it.
“Hungary away, 2-1 down with 10 minutes to play, still believing and still thinking we’re going to get something, it shows the character and mentality of the whole group.
“I’ve always felt that spirit is there with the group.”
