Ismael Bennacer says a lack of first-team football drove him to seek an exit from Arsenal.
The midfielder departed the Gunners in 2017 for Empoli after two years at the Emirates Stadium, during which time he managed just one appearance.
After impressive form for Empoli, he joined AC Milan last summer and has enjoyed an impressive debut season at the San Siro.
It has led many Gunners fans to question why he left North London but, speaking to the Athletic, Bennacer says the reasons are fairly simple.
He said: "I had three years left on my deal but I wanted to play and besides, they weren’t against my sale, so I left."
The 22-year-old took some time to get going at AC Milan but eventually found an impressive run of form as a holding playmaker.
That has garnered comparisons to Andrea Pirlo and Bennacer says he believes it is a position that has enabled him to thrive.
He said: "I like everything about this role, because you’re at the heart of everything.
"It’s my second year playing in Italy as a regista. I’m still working at it. I think I’m improving.
"I’m definitely learning a lot. I watch a lot of Marco Verratti and Thiago Alcantara too. Thiago’s so, so good.
"I have to give the ball away as little as possible. Zero.
"To do that, I have to be concentrated whenever I get the ball.
"I’ve always got to be in the zone. I have to read the game. I need to look first and look early. I do all that already but I have got to get even better at it.
"Even though I’m not playing high up the pitch, I could do to be more decisive."
