Martin Skrtel is relieved he decided to stay at Liverpool [GETTY]
Skrtel scored twice inside 10 minutes against the Gunners as Liverpool ran riot at Anfield.
The Slovakian international was linked with a move away from Merseyside last summer, but has since won back his place in the Reds' defence.
And Skrtel has admitted he considered quitting Liverpool, but is relieved he decided to stay and fight for his place.
"I would be lying if I said I didn’t think about leaving," Skrtel told The Liverpool Echo.
"It wasn't easy for me after last season. I was on the bench in the second part of the season and that was something new for me.
Skrtel celebrates his opener against Arsenal [GETTY]
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"But it is not easy to leave a club like Liverpool because they are still one of the best clubs in the world. After six years here it was not easy to say 'okay, I'm leaving'.
"Before this season started I just said to myself 'I will fight and work very hard to try to show people I am able to play and start the games'.
"I tried to work very hard in training every day and when I got a chance to play I tried to do my best to help the team.
"After games like Saturday's I am just so glad and so happy that I stayed.
"Liverpool are a massive club and I just wanted to prove to people I am able to play for this club."
Skrtel has made 25 appearances for Liverpool this season, scoring four goals.
Skrtel (left) has played his way back into Brendan Rodgers's side [GETTY]
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