Trent Alexander-Arnold is unfazed by the early criticism he has received since his move to Real Madrid in June.
The England international defender made a bold decision by not renewing his contract with Liverpool, his beloved club, to start a new chapter in Madrid.
Although he was expected to be transferred as a free agent, with his contract expiring in June, the Premier League champions ultimately secured a transfer fee of over 10 million euros.
Real Madrid's desire to have Arnold available for the FIFA Club World Cup was exploited by Liverpool and this brought tension to his first days in the Spanish capital.
After a good performance on the US tour, he has had a mixed start in La Liga, with Dani Carvajal closely following him for the starting spot.
This has also caused some negative reactions for his performances in Xabi Alonso's team, while Thomas Tuchel did not call him up for England this month.
However, faced with competition from Carvajal and immense pressure in Madrid, Trent remains calm and convinced that leaving Liverpool was the right decision.
"It was one of the hardest decisions of my life. Liverpool is my home; it's where I was formed as a footballer and as a person. But Madrid seemed like the right step, at the right time," he said in an interview with GQ Spain.
"It was ambition and a personal desire for change. To challenge myself in a new environment. Of course, the legacy of Real Madrid is undeniable. But more than that, what attracted me was my ambition and the desire to prove myself in a new circle.
"It's a challenge, but one I welcome. Playing at the Bernabeu is sacred. You feel the weight of the shirt, but that's what pushes you to give everything."
As he will not be involved with England in the coming weeks, Alexander-Arnold is expected to return to the pitch with Real Madrid on September 13, in the La Liga match against Real Sociedad.
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