David Luiz has confirmed a disagreement with Frank Lampard convinced him it was time to leave Chelsea for Arsenal.
The Brazilian centre-back left Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window, putting pen to paper with the Gunners for £8million.
There was much speculation at the time that Luiz had fallen out with new Chelsea boss Lampard, with the defender even missing a pre-season training session at the Blues' Cobham base.
But Chelsea played things down, with Luiz leaving the club amicably on deadline day.
Luiz has made seven appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season and is a regular in the first team, despite making a handful of mistakes.
On his summer move to Arsenal, Luiz told Brazilian journalist Mauro Cezar: "It was an individual decision made through honest conversation – between me and Frank Lampard, no one else.
"We had a different idea of the future of the game and that's why I chose to take a new path.
"It's always very difficult because of the rivalry, but I made the decision to leave Chelsea even before receiving Arsenal's bid.
"As soon as I decided to leave Chelsea – after a few days – Arsenal's proposal came, and as it was another great club, I didn't think twice.
"It's hard for rivalry, yes, but I couldn't help but live a new story, in a new place, in a big club just because of the rivalry."
