David Luiz has opened up about his departure from Chelsea in the summer and the ‘difficulty’ of leaving for Arsenal.
The 32-year-old was a shock transfer deadline day exit for the Blues, heading across London to join the Gunners.
Luiz’s second stint with the Blues was not on the best terms, with rumours of ‘heated discussions’ with Frank Lampard, with it clear the Brazilian was not to be a guaranteed starter.
And the centre-back has explained his decision to leave the Blues and join their Premier League rivals at the last moment.
"First of all, I was always very happy at Chelsea,” Luiz told ESPN Brazil. “And then the understanding of knowing that my cycle was over, even though I thought it wasn't going to end that way, in a quick decision.
“I decided to leave Chelsea before I even had my doors open at Arsenal. I know that Arsenal did not come at a great moment, they are heavy on defence, I will go there and I will have to pay the restaurant bill without having eaten.
“But I am going because I want something new for my life, I want to learn.
“It was not easy at first. Not only of adaptation, but withstanding the criticism, the sadness of many Chelsea fans for not understanding my personal decisions. My respect and love for Chelsea has always been true.
“It was difficult to deal with the emotional part, after playing, things were not happening on the pitch, the results were not coming.
“Unai is a great coach and a great person, but things weren't happening to him either. So you get into a stir of a lot and try to stay upright, and strong.
“And I often wondered why this decision was made. Why is this happening?"
