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."