Former Liverpool star claims leaving the club as an ‘easy decision’ | OneFootball

Kelleher’s Next Step After Liverpool, Personal Reflections And Professional Ambition

Caoimhin Kelleher’s farewell to Liverpool carried a depth of emotion that reflected his decade on Merseyside, yet his decision to move on spoke clearly to a goalkeeper ready for responsibility and rhythm. His conversation on the Ben Foster podcast offered a candid look into why this moment in his career felt right, even if the attachment to Anfield ran deep.

Kelleher’s Development And Drive For First Team Football

Kelleher’s path from Ringmahon Rangers to Liverpool at 16 shaped him technically and mentally, all within the same environment. He explained, “I was there 10 years, started when I was 16 at the Academy, and then all the way through, probably about five years with the first team.” Those years included 67 appearances, 24 clean sheets and a reputation for calm, decisive moments in high pressure situations, highlighted by his excellent work in penalty shoot outs.

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His role as Alisson’s understudy demanded concentration without consistency of minutes, something he navigated with total professionalism. Yet the urge to become a regular starter was impossible to ignore. “Being a no.2 is hard, you get a few games, and you must do well. But it worked out well for me in the end at Liverpool,” he said. That desire shaped the timing of his exit, allowing him to choose a club where he could finally be first choice.

Expectations, Media Focus And Career Timing

The decision to leave a club of Liverpool’s stature naturally drew attention, something Kelleher admitted was noticeable. “I did notice the media attention a little bit. When you come in and play well, that’s exactly what people say straight away [that I need to be playing first team football]. But the frustration for me was that people think it’s just straightforward that I can just leave.”

His exit aligned with Liverpool’s long term squad planning, including the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili. It was a transition that made sense for both parties, offering him clarity on his prospects and supporting his ambition to become a regular starter at Premier League level.

Emotional Goodbye And Appreciation For Liverpool

Arne Slot recognised the difficulty of remaining a back up and supported Kelleher’s wish to seek more playing time. The goalkeeper’s departure message thanked staff, teammates and supporters, highlighting Liverpool’s impact on his career and character. For fans, his loyalty across ten years, his contributions in decisive cup moments and his consistency as a deputy to one of the world’s best ensure he leaves with admiration and respect.