Harlee Dean said he was “absolutely delighted” to sign a new three-year earlier this week.
The central defender, who turns 22 next week, signed the new deal on Tuesday, before Brentford’s new 3-0 pre-season friendly win over Millwall.
Harlee is now under contract at Griffin Park until the end of the 2015/16 season.
He said he had to take his time to make sure the deal with right for him and his family to make a long-term commitment but he always intended to stay with The Bees.
“I am absolutely delighted to sign the contract,” said Harlee.
“I always wanted to get it done.
“I had a few people asking why there was a delay but I always wanted to sign for Brentford I just needed to get a few things right.
“I had to speak to my family and the people that were important to me.
“I am looking forward to leading Brentford to The Championship.
“It wasn’t a hard decision.
“I have grown as a player here and I love the fans, they were one of the main reasons for signing.
“I had to take a lot of things in to account.
“It is a life changing decision so it took a bit longer than for some other players but I’m delighted it’s done and I want to get on with the season.”
Harlee was part of the Brentford squad that finished third in League One last season and lost in the Play-Off Final.
He said he wanted to be part of a squad that took Brentford in to the second tier and believed this set of players could do it.
“I have been brought up not to do things half hearted,” said Harlee.
“I think if I had left Brentford this summer it would have been half a job done.
“I would have been disappointed with myself.
“We have a better squad that last season and I think we’re fitter.
“Everyone believes we will do it this year, I think we will.”
Brentford scored three second half goals to beat Millwall on Tuesday.
They dominated the first half and scored three after the break through Sam Saunders, Paul Hayes and Stuart Dallas.
Harlee said the end of last season had affected him but he was now ready for the new campaign.
“These games are about getting fitness right, touches right and getting the feel of playing football again,” he said.
“Millwall are a Championship team and this shows where we are.
“We had a comfortable result.
“We have a Championship standard team, we need to make sure we get there.
“In the last month of last season I had an Achilles problem that needed managing, that meant I couldn’t do much this summer.
“It has been more difficult for me this pre-season, I’m feeling good now and confident.
“After the knock-downs at the end of last season you question yourself and I am naturally hard on myself.
“After a few games I will be ready for the start of the season.”
Harlee said the Club’s pre-season schedule, which includes games against Scottish Premier League champions Celtic and Premier League Cardiff City, would be good preparation for the season.
“Games like this are what League One football is about, winning your battles, winning your tackles and being brave to play,” he said.
“We need games like that.
“The game against Celtic will be different again.
“We have a really good pre-season schedule and that will benefit us.
“It is nice to win and nice to keep a clean sheet.
“Winning builds confidence and confidence is key.
“We will take this in to the season.”
Harlee said he wanted to start the season well and be the team leading the way at the top.
He added he couldn’t wait for it to get going.
“If we start well this season, teams will have to chase us,” said the defender.
“I want to be that team this season.
“If we got a lead we wouldn’t get caught.
“The future is looking good and the fans should be optimistic.
“I can’t wait for it to start.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Harlee Dean here.