Trent Alexander-Arnold is unfazed by the early criticism aimed in his direction since landing at Real Madrid in June.

The England international made the bold call to opt against a contract renewal at his boyhood club Liverpool to start a new chapter in Madrid.

Despite looking on course for a free transfer to Los Blancos, with his Liverpool contract ending in June, the Premier League champions eventually secured a £10m transfer fee.

Real Madrid’s eagerness to have Trent available for the FIFA Club World Cup was utilised by Liverpool and caused friction over his early days in the Spanish capital.

A solid showing in the USA has been followed by a mixed start in La Liga with Dani Carvajal chasing him down for a starting spot.

That has sparked some negativity over his output in Xabi Alonso’s team with Thomas Tuchel also overlooking him for England duty this month.

Trent explains Liverpool exit decision

Despite facing a battle with Carvajal and the swelling pressure in Madrid, Trent is remaining calm, and insists leaving Liverpool was the correct call.

“It was one of the hardest decisions of my life. Liverpool is my home; it made me who I am. But Madrid felt like the right step, at the right time,” he told an interview with GQ Spain.

“It was ambition and a personal desire for change. To challenge myself in a new environment. Of course, Real Madrid’s legacy is undeniable. But more than that, what attracted me was my ambition and the desire to test myself in new surroundings.

“It’s a challenge, but one I welcome. Playing at the Bernabeu is sacred. You can feel the weight of the shirt, but that’s what drives you to give it your all.”

With Trent not in action for England in the coming weeks he is expected back for Real Madrid’s La Liga trip to Real Sociedad on September 13.