Sepp van den Berg has opened up on his decision to leave Liverpool.
The Dutch centre-back arrived to great fanfare in summer 2019 after the Anfield club saw off competition from Bayern Munich to land his signature.
But Van den Berg made just four competitive appearances over the next five years before joining Brentford in a deal understood to be worth £25 million.
During that time he failed to dislodge an establish pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate while also being overtaken by the likes of Jarell Quansah.
Speaking after returning to Merseyside as Thomas Frank’s side ground out a 0-0 draw with Everton, the 22-year-old explained his reasons for moving on.
“I was very clear from the start that I wanted to play this season,” said Van den Berg.
“At Liverpool, you have two of the best centre backs in the world at the moment. To me, it was the right moment to leave.
“I’m at the age when I needed to play. I’ve done it for many years going out on loan.
“It was time for me to make the permanent move and establish myself as a Premier League player and that’s what I’m doing so far.
“I made the right decision [but] still a long way to go.”
Van den Berg also admits that, while he has not kept contact with his former teammates, he still retains an interest in Liverpool under compatriot Arne Slot.
He added: “There’s a lot of Dutch people there [now].
“The manager is very good. It’s the league I’m playing in. I keep following them. I’m very happy for them.
“When we play them at our ground I hope we win but otherwise I hope they have a good season.”