Former Tottenham full-back Kieran Trippier has admitted that his performances for Spurs last season weren't 'up to scratch'.
The 28-year-old impressed for England during the World Cup in Russia last season, becoming a national hero by scoring the opening goal in the semi-final defeat to Croatia. But his form dipped upon his return to domestic football.
The England man struggled with injuries throughout the season and was the subject of criticism from fans and pundits alike due to poor performances.
Trippier joined Spanish side Atletico Madrid earlier in the month in one of the more surprise moves of the summer, he talked about 'behind the scenes' issues as to one of the factors in him deciding to leave the club. But the defender has now revealed that factors such as injuries and speculation over his future contributed to his dip in form and ultimate exit.
"There's no excuse for what happened last season," he told BBC Sport .
"Some things happened - nothing bad, it was just injuries and hearing things like I won't be there next season in the media.
"It was in the back of my mind: 'Did they want me?'
"It was important to know - that's why I sat down with the manager [Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs boss] in pre-season and asked the question."
I feel fit and ready for a new challenge, a new chapter for me and my family - and I'm raring to go now."
The poor form meant that the former Burnley man missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Nations League finals earlier in the summer, but Trippier is determined that he will show the form at his new club in order to force himself back into the picture.
"I knew my performances weren't up to scratch," he said.
"I know what I need to do to get back in the team, and that's my priority."
