Interview: Valdimarsson on new Brentford contract | OneFootball

Brentford goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson has explained the reasons why he decided to sign a new contract with the club.

The Iceland international’s deal runs until the summer of 2030, with a club option of a further two years.

"The last two and a half years have been very good," said Valdimarsson, who joined the Bees from Allsvenskan side Elfsborg in January 2024.

"I’ve learnt and developed a lot. I just feel completely different. I’ve improved in everything as a goalkeeper.

"I’m very happy here and now, since Keith [Andrews] took over, I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I speak a lot with him. He’s a very good manager but also a good guy."

Valdimarsson also mentioned first-team goalkeeping coach Manu Sotelo, who he has worked with since arriving in west London, and Caoimhín Kelleher, who moved to TW8 in the summer following the departure of Mark Flekken.

"Manu pushes so hard every day," he continued.

"Without him, I would never have improved this much over the last two and a half years. He’s very important.

"Caoimhs is a top guy and a very good goalkeeper, so training with him has both been fun and very good. All four of us are training really hard and pushing each other, we’re all trying to get better."

Sotelo added: "Hákon is the perfect goalkeeper to work with.

"He’s intelligent and is the keeper of the standards of the group, every single day. He’s always trying to improve, always with the mindset of being ready to play.”