Caoimhin Kelleher has penned an emotional farewell message to Liverpool, with his former teammates at Anfield leading the tributes after his exit was confirmed.
The goalkeeper has brought an end to his 10-year association with the Reds, having first joined the club’s academy as a teenager, with his move to Brentford being announced on Tuesday. The 26-year-old has made the move to London on a five-year deal, with his new club also holding the option to extend his contract by a further 12 months.
The Reds are set to receive an initial $16.9 million, a fee which could rise to around $24M with add-ons which are understood to relate to appearances.
Kelleher has made no secret of his desire to leave Liverpool in the past in order to pursue his dream of becoming a No.1 - a path which was blocked by Alisson Becker at Anfield.
With Giorgi Mamardashvili set to complete his move to Merseyside from Valencia this summer as well, the Irishman would have found his chances even harder to come by had he stayed put.
Instead, Kelleher will find himself coming up against his former teammates next season, with the keeper posting a heartfelt message upon his departure.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Fanatics Official Sports Apparel — Liverpool
“I came to this club as a 16-year-old boy, ten years later I could never have dreamed of the journey I would go on,” Kelleher posted on Instagram alongside a video of some of his highlights from his time with Liverpool.
“To have the opportunity to play for this club was something I never took for granted and the memories I have I will cherish forever from making my debut to winning trophies I have loved it all.
“Thank you to everyone at the club from the staff, to my coaches and my teammates past and present you have all helped shape me into the man I am today. To the fans thank you for the amazing support throughout the years I have always felt the love and it means a lot.
“I will always have a special place in my heart for this club and city.
“Thank you all and good luck for the future. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Kelleher’s message drew responses from a number of his former teammates, with Andy Robertson leading the tributes as he wrote: “Absolute legend! What a player, even better person.”
Tyler Morton replied: “Legend in every way! All the best my mate,” while Virgil van Dijk responded with hearts and clapping emojis.
Darwin Nunez, who may also depart Liverpool this summer, replied: “Una bestia”, which translates to “a beast” in his native Spanish.