Having been left out of England's 26 man squad for the FIFA World Cup, Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has spoken out about the decision.
Real Madrid requested the postponement of their original La Liga opener, against Real Sociedad, because a lot of their key players were returning late from this summer’s FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The likes of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, as well as new signings Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konate.
One star player who was not called up for the World Cup, however, was right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, whom was controversially and perhaps infamously snubbed by England manager Thomas Tuchel.
The shock was only further exacerbated when right-back Tino Livramento dropped out of the squad with an injury, yet nominal central defender Trevoh Chalobah was called up instead of the Real Madrid man.
Furthermore, central defender Jarrel Quansah also started two games at right-back, showing just how odd the exclusion of Alexander-Arnold was - a decison that left a large part of the English public completely baffled and bewildered.
Unlike some other players, Alexander-Arnold kept very quiet about the decision, and congratulated his Los Blancos and long term friend Jude Bellingham on making the 26 man squad.
Well, for the first time, the 27-year old has given his thoughts on the controversial omission, when speaking to English media outlet (via MadridXtra), the Daily Mirror: "I'll be honest, I was full of hope. When the call came, I was at home in Madrid. When I put the phone down, I was properly gutted. Absolutely gutted.
I had made no plans for the summer, because I hoped I'd be in the squad. Until I retire, I'm still an England player, whether I'm selected or not. There's no bigger honour."
Fair play to him. It's quite classy to express how gutted he was and be honest about that, whilst not criticising the decision, or saying that he'd expected to go, instead just saying he had hoped to go. He did not say he deserved to go, or anything like that. A lot of humility.
Although he will not see it like that, at least not for now whilst it is still fairly fresh, it is most certainly Real Madrid's gain. He has had a full summer off, unlike many players, which is particularly crucial this year with a new manager in Jose Mourinho to have had a full pre-season with. Physically and tactically, this will certainly have big benefits all round.
That being said, for him personally and for his wellbeing and confidence - which can have an impact in performances - you hope he does get a recall to the national team, sooner or later. Let's see. The first international break of the season will be the extended version at the end of September and start of October. Let's see if he is called for that.
