Kieran Tierney has said now was the perfect time to test himself in the Premier League after completing his £25m transfer from Celtic.
After months of speculation, the Scotland international's move to the Emirates Stadium was finally confirmed on Thursday afternoon.
Sitting down for his first interview as an Arsenal player, the left-back revealed just how tough the decision was to leave his boyhood club.
"Yeah, it was the hardest decision in my whole life that I've had to make," he said. "I had to speak to my family and my close friends and my agent as well because it's a hard decision to leave a club that you love so much.
"People need to know that as well. I feel Arsenal is a massive club and it's a great opportunity for me as well.
"I'm delighted to be here.
"When I was younger, it was always Celtic. The ambition was Celtic and that was my dream when I was younger. But when you get older... I've done that, I've made my dream, I've lived my dream and I've loved every single minute of it.
"Now I just feel was the right time to take a step on.
"I feel this is a great opportunity for me."
Arsenal head coach Unai Emery also commented on the transfer.
"We’re delighted Kieran is joining us. He’s a very talented player who will continue to improve.
"He increases our options defensively and I look forward to him joining our group."
Tierney is not expected to be the only new face at the Emirates today with a deal for Chelsea defender David Luiz expected to be announced shortly.
