Serge Gnabry has revealed the "key factor" in his decision to leave Arsenal back in 2016.
The winger is back in London this week for a second time this season, as his Bayern Munich side prepare to take on Chelsea - following their 7-2 dismantling of Spurs in the Champions League group stages.
The former Gunners star scored four in that game against Arsenal's bitter rivals, and he said in the build that his move to North London helped him to mature and prepare him for the rigours of the professional game.
"It was very exciting in the beginning," Gnabry told the BBC about his move to Arsenal. "Quite anxious as well, because it was such a big world to get into.
"The cultural effect helped me a lot and, maturity-wise, I have taken a lot with me from my time in London. As a 16-year-old boy, to leave your parents, leave your surroundings, it makes you grow a bit faster."
"I had hard times. English football is a bit tougher I would say in the youth than back in Germany, so you also have to adapt to that.
"I think everyone who goes through a similar scenario experiences the same, but in the end it is an experience and it makes you grow."
Gnabry revealed that his mind was made up about leaving Arsenal following his disastrous loan spell at West Brom in the 2015/16 season.
The winger played very little football under Tony Pulis, who claimed he was not ready for first team football.
"Definitely it was after the West Brom spell," he added. "I knew that I needed to play again at a high level, and I think Germany in the couple of years since I moved had progressed a lot.
"So I thought: 'OK, take a chance on that, let me go back.' I didn't see a lot of game time at Arsenal the next season. That was the key factor."
Gnabry moved to Werder Bremen for just £5million in 2016, and after scoring 11 goals for the Bundesliga side he was signed up by Bayern Munich for €8million (£6.7million) - before immediately joining Hoffenheim on loan.
Since then, the winger has forged a place in the first team at Bayern, and is gearing up to represent the German national team at this summer's Euro 2020 tournament.
