The England fullback ran down his contract at Anfield to leave for Real on a free transfer.
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He recalled to GQ: "It was one of the hardest decisions of my life. Liverpool is my home: they made me who I am. But Madrid felt like the right step, at the right time.
"It was ambition and a personal desire for change. Challenging myself in a new environment. Of course, Real Madrid's legacy is undeniable. But more than that, what attracted me was my ambition and desire to test myself in new surroundings.
The 26-year-old concedes his start at Real hasn't gone to plan.
He added, "It's a challenge, but one I welcome. Playing at Bernabéu is sacred. You can feel the weight of the shirt, but that's what drives you to give everything."