Mesut Ozil has revealed that he 'started to cry' after boarding a plane that saw him leave Real Madrid to complete a transfer to Arsenal, while Pep Guardiola 'didn't bother' to meet him.
The former Germany international announced his retirement from professional football days ago at the age of 34, stating that 'it's time to leave the big stage'.
He has since opened up on his career as he sat down with Spanish news outlet Marca to discuss his time with Real Madrid in La Liga.
When asked about his departure from the club, before joining Arsenal, Ozil revealed: 'I was very sad when I left Madrid. I remember that at the airport.
'When the plane in which I was leaving Madrid took off, I started to cry.'
However, before joining Los Blancos, Ozil had an opportunity to move to Barcelona after visiting their training ground.
Ozil revealed that Guardiola, Barcelona boss at the time, did not meet him during his visit, while Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho 'went all out' to confirm his signing from Werder Bremen.
'The visit in Barcelona was less enthusiastic and what was more disappointing is that Pep Guardiola didn't bother to meet me,' he said. 'Before that trip I really liked Barcelona's style of football and I could really imagine playing with them, but Madrid went all out.
'So Jose Mourinho was without a doubt the most important factor in my decision. After my visits, my decision was one hundred percent clear: I wanted to be a Madridista.'
The 34-year-old continued to discuss his reasoning for leaving Madrid to join Arsenal and admitted that he would have 'handled the situation at that time differently' if he could change it.
'I was really happy (at Madrid). But things happened,' he continued. 'Suddenly, at the beginning of that season, I no longer had many playing minutes and a conflict arose between Mr. Florentino Perez and my father and agent.
'We had to look for a new club. It was hard for me. The moment the plane took off and took off, tears fell from my eyes. That was the moment I realized it was over.
'At that time it seemed good to me, because after the conflict between my father and Mr. Perez I was worried that I would not have playing minutes again if I did not leave. So it's hard to say. But of course, I wish we could have handled the situation at that time differently.'
Ozil continued to discuss his time at Arsenal, highlighting his joy playing under Arsene Wenger before 'many things changed' following Wenger's departure.
He said: 'The first years were very good. We played in the Champions League, we had a great team with great players and an incredible coach like Arsene Wenger.
He was a true gentleman. He always very respectful. When he left the club, something was missing. We had a great relationship and I feel privileged that he was my manager at Arsenal.
'After he left the club, many things changed for me. But I have no interest in adding fuel to the fire again.'
The German finalised by revealing that he is supporting Arsenal in the Premier League title race and wishes that Mikel Arteta's side can lift the trophy for the fans.
'Now I am relaxed and I wish the best to the Arsenal fans, who have always been very supportive of me' he said.
'I would be happy for them if they could celebrate the Premier League title. They deserve it!'
It remains to be seen as to what the future holds for Ozil after his retirement, with Istanbul Basaksehir being the last club in his professional career after only making four appearances for the Turkish side.