Arsenal striker Lucas Perez says that it was very difficult for him to leave Deportivo La Coruña in the summer, but he couldn't let an opportunity to join the North London club pass him by.

The 28-year-old spent a couple of years at his boyhood club before joining the Gunners in a £17.1million move during the summer.

When asked if it was a tough decision for him to leave Riazor, he told Arsenal Magazine: "Yeah, it was tough.

"I've spent my whole life away from La Coruna – I've lived in countries like Ukraine and Greece and I've been away from home for most of my life.

"Having the chance to play for Deportivo, the club I've always loved in the city where my family and friends live, was amazing – it was very emotional.

"It was very difficult for me to leave, but in life you have to seize your opportunity and to come to Arsenal and play in these competitions is a massive opportunity for me, for my family and for my career.

"I hope to make the most of it."