Martin Kelly Explains How Crystal Palace Fans Were Reason Behind his Decision to Leave Liverpool

Martin Kelly has revealed that Liverpool's failure to win against Crystal Palace last season was the major reason behind his decision to make a switch to Selhurst Park.

The Merseyside club were leading the game 3-0 for most part of the game in May and a win would have helped them win the Premier League title last campaign.

However, the clash against the Eagles ended in a 3-3 draw and Brendan Rodgers saw his side miss out on winning the title on goal difference to Manchester City.

Palace fans were delighted to see their side come from behind to settle for a draw and they were celebrating at Selhurst Park as Liverpool players knew they had given away a golden opportunity to win their first Premier League title.

Kelly, who came up through the ranks of Liverpool's youth setup, says the noise made by Palace fans was one of the reasons for him to leave his boyhood club and make a switch to the capital.

"The noise the Palace fans made that night was incredible and it was one of the major reasons why I decided to come here," Kelly told the Liverpool Echo.

"The only other grounds where I've experienced an atmosphere like that are Anfield and Goodison. Selhurst Park was bouncing. When I heard Palace were interested I thought back to that night and what it would be like to play in front of those supporters all the time."

"Palace fans are like that from the first minute to the last minute whatever the score is. That's what I love about them. I've settled into London life quickly and I'm really enjoying my football here," he added.

Kelly was not part of the squad and was forced to watch the game from the stands. He claims Liverpool players were devastated, including Luis Suarez, who left Anfield and made a switch to Barcelona.

"When I walked in it was probably the worst I'd known it in all my time at the club," the former Liverpool defender said.

"To be in there that night was a real low. Everyone was devastated. There was just silence, no-one said anything."

"Luis was in tears and I felt so sorry him for him because he had given so much for the team. Everyone had worked so hard to put the club in a position to win the title."

"There had been so many highs during the season and there was a real sense of togetherness in the squad. But with that result everyone knew it was over. Palace burst the bubble and brought Liverpool crashing back down to earth," Kelly said.

Meanwhile, the Reds make a trip to London as they face Palace in a Premier League fixture on Sunday. Kelly will face his former club for the first time since leaving Anfield earlier in the summer.