David Luiz says he decided to leave Chelsea before Arsenal's offer to sign him.
Luiz, 32, decided he wanted to start a new challenge away from Stamford Bridge.
He joined Arsenal on deadline day in a deal that shocked the Premier League.
"I always liked Chelsea, no doubt. I saw a possibility of writing a new story in a new place, but I am forever grateful to Chelsea, to all people, to friendships that are for life," Luiz told TalkSport.
"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."
