David Luiz left Chelsea for Arsenal when it became apparent he had 'different ideas' to incoming manager Frank Lampard.
The Brazilian defender's £8million move across London earlier this month was one of the most surprising moves of the summer transfer window.
But the 32-year-old has revealed that he felt he had to move elsewhere following an 'honest' discussion with Lampard ahead of the season.
Speaking after playing in Arsenal's 2-1 Premier League win over Burnley, Luiz told ESPN Brasil: 'It was a great pleasure [to make my Arsenal debut].
'It is a new challenge in my career, where I took the decision to fight for new things and I enjoyed it in the best way possible.
'In talks with Frank, he had a different plan for the year. So we spoke in total honesty and he made it clear that he had different ideas from mine.
'So I had this opportunity to receive an offer from Arsenal, which is a great club.'
Despite some dissent from Chelsea supporters for choosing to join their London rivals, Luiz says he still has the utmost respect for a club he represented 248 times in two spells.
He added: 'I still respect Chelsea. It's never easy for people to understand everything that goes on.
'But my decision was also to respect Chelsea and their new manager, who wanted to implement a different philosophy a the club.
'And so I decided to get on this new journey, a new home, where I'll do everything to shine as well.'
niblpsz
116
I once told my girlfriend I was breaking up with her because I didn’t want to hurt her, she punched me...
Emibro1
70
We Chelsea fc fans will still support you no matter what. you have done us proud over the years, so just like Cech and Lampard before; we are wishing you success but not trophy at Arsenal.
Sokanola
59
Now you heard it, David Luiz has always been loyal. What can we say about Koscierny? If i wasn't a Christian, only God knows what i would have done.