New Brentford signing Sepp van den Berg has revealed why he chose to sign for the Bees from Liverpool, after the defender arrived in west London on a five-year deal.

Despite reported interest from other clubs across Europe, the Dutchman opted to move to Gtech Community Stadium - and he admitted that he spoke with another recent addition to the Brentford squad and former Liverpool team-mate Fábio Carvalho ahead of the move.

Van den Berg said: “It feels amazing! I've been waiting for this moment for a long time now.

“I had a few phone calls and a meeting with the manager, where he told me why they wanted me here, they showed me what qualities they see in me as a player, so it was all positive.” 

On why he picked Brentford, amidst interest from other clubs, he added: “Just the appreciation I felt from the manager [Thomas Frank], from other people I spoke to here, even me coming here today: everybody is just so nice. I really, really like it here. 

“Me and Fábio have also been texting and, when he moved here, I told him that I was also in talks with Brentford, so that was funny! I texted him this morning - I'm sitting next to him in the changing room as well, so I'm looking forward to seeing him again." 

On his style of play, he said: “Growing up in Holland, Johan Cruyff, playing out from the back, 4-3-3, Ajax: everything is just about playing football.

"So that's what I did when I was a kid, and I think every player will say playing with the ball is more enjoyable than without the ball - I'm the same, even though I'm a defender! 

“Playing football is the most enjoyable thing for every player, especially for me.” 

Van den Berg ranked second for blocks and aerial duels won in the Bundesliga for Mainz last season - and the centre-back described what the Bees fans can expect to see from him in red and white.

"I just want to help the team wherever I can. Personally, playing as many games as I can, that's what I came here for," he stated.

“I also want to develop myself and help the team achieve things that have never happened before - maybe Europe - you have to dream big!

“I want to just enjoy being here, that's the thing for me. I also want to bring passion, defending, and just giving everything I have, leaving it all on the pitch.

“And I want to play a lot of games in front of the fans, and hopefully I can see them a lot in the stadiums, home and away.”