Caoimhin Kelleher confirms he wanted to leave Liverpool

Caoimhin Kelleher has revealed his desire to leave Liverpool after failing to become a first-choice goalkeeper at Anfield.

The Irish international - who joined the Merseyside club's senior side in 2019 - made 26 appearances last season for Liverpool, most notably in the Europa League. However, his position as the club's second-choice shot-stopper looks to be under threat, with Giorgi Mamardashvili set to arrive next summer.

While Alisson features between the sticks for most of Liverpool's fixtures, Kelleher has admitted he dreams of becoming a 'number one' keeper, but may have to look elsewhere if he is to climb the ranks.

"I made it clear in the last few years, I want to go be a number one and play week in, week out," he told reporters while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland. "The club made the decision to get another goalkeeper. From the outside looking in, it looks like they have made a decision to go in another direction.

"My ambition has always been clear in the last few seasons that I want to be a number one. Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like it is 100% my decision but at times it is not always in my hands."

When asked if he was close to leaving Anfield this summer, he continued: "My mission was to go out and play, and be a number one. It has been reported that Liverpool had rejected a few bids as well."

Kelleher, who graduated from Liverpool's youth side in 2019, has yet to make an appearance under Arne Slot this season. He did, however, feature in Ireland's 2-0 loss to England in their opening UEFA Nations League fixture on Saturday.

He's set to appear again when Ireland face Greece on Tuesday.

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