Arsenal new boy Mikel Arteta admits the opportunity to compete in the Champions League convinced him the time was right to leave Everton.
The Spaniard completed a big-money move to the Gunners on transfer deadline day, with a deal pushed through as the summer window slammed shut.
Arteta believes he has made the right choice for his career, even if it was tough to sever ties with the Toffees after six years on Merseyside.
The 29-year-old believes the chance to turn out at the very highest level was too good to turn down and he feels the right decision was taken for all concerned.
Asked how the move came about and the motives behind his decision to leave Goodison Park, Arteta told Sky Sports News: "We knew a few days before that they had a big interest for me, but everything happened on the last day and basically the last minute.
"It is true that I met the manager (David Moyes) and we had five minutes talking. I said 'I think it is the right moment for me. It is a great opportunity, I am going to play in the Champions League and the club is in a situation where they need to sell someone'. I think it was good for everyone."
Arteta was quick to point out that he was not forced out of the club and that he does not consider Everton to be a selling club.
He added: "No, no. I don't want people blaming the manager or the chairman (Bill Kenwright). That was the best solution for everyone, I am 100 per cent sure.
"Some people will disagree, but I 100 per cent believe that it was the best solution for everyone.
"I know the chairman really well and he doesn't want to sell anyone. He is a big, big fan and he has put his life into the club.
"He was devastated to see me leave. But they had to let me go. It's part of football. It's sad, the chairman is taking the worse part and I'm sad for him, but I know he is doing the best for the club. "
Arteta is now looking forward to opening a new chapter in his career at Arsenal and insists he will not let the pressure of having to follow in the footsteps of countryman Cesc Fabregas affect his game.
He said: "I am going there to try and help the team and make things better and see if we can win something.
"Fabregas was a terrific player, one of the best players in the Premier League, and it would be a big ask (to emulate him). I just want to show my ability and see where we go from there."
The 29-year-old will also be back on European football's grandest stage and admits he has 'missed' the Champions League.
Arteta said: "I have had the chance to play in the Champions League with PSG and Glasgow Rangers, so I know what it's like. You want to be part of it, you miss it big time and I will now have to chance to play in it again. I can't wait."
Turning out for Arsenal in the Premier League and in Europe will also help Arteta stake a claim for an international call-up, with Spain having overlooked him throughout his career.
He said: "I have been close and it is always a dream to play in that team, that is winning absolutely everything and the way they play is fantastic. I just want to do my job first and see what comes along."
The Spaniard completed a big-money move to the Gunners on transfer deadline day, with a deal pushed through as the summer window slammed shut.
Arteta believes he has made the right choice for his career, even if it was tough to sever ties with the Toffees after six years on Merseyside.
The 29-year-old believes the chance to turn out at the very highest level was too good to turn down and he feels the right decision was taken for all concerned.Asked how the move came about and the motives behind his decision to leave Goodison Park, Arteta told Sky Sports News: "We knew a few days before that they had a big interest for me, but everything happened on the last day and basically the last minute.
"It is true that I met the manager (David Moyes) and we had five minutes talking. I said 'I think it is the right moment for me. It is a great opportunity, I am going to play in the Champions League and the club is in a situation where they need to sell someone'. I think it was good for everyone."
Arteta was quick to point out that he was not forced out of the club and that he does not consider Everton to be a selling club.
He added: "No, no. I don't want people blaming the manager or the chairman (Bill Kenwright). That was the best solution for everyone, I am 100 per cent sure.
"Some people will disagree, but I 100 per cent believe that it was the best solution for everyone.
"I know the chairman really well and he doesn't want to sell anyone. He is a big, big fan and he has put his life into the club.
"He was devastated to see me leave. But they had to let me go. It's part of football. It's sad, the chairman is taking the worse part and I'm sad for him, but I know he is doing the best for the club. "
Arteta is now looking forward to opening a new chapter in his career at Arsenal and insists he will not let the pressure of having to follow in the footsteps of countryman Cesc Fabregas affect his game.
He said: "I am going there to try and help the team and make things better and see if we can win something.
"Fabregas was a terrific player, one of the best players in the Premier League, and it would be a big ask (to emulate him). I just want to show my ability and see where we go from there."
The 29-year-old will also be back on European football's grandest stage and admits he has 'missed' the Champions League.
Arteta said: "I have had the chance to play in the Champions League with PSG and Glasgow Rangers, so I know what it's like. You want to be part of it, you miss it big time and I will now have to chance to play in it again. I can't wait."
Turning out for Arsenal in the Premier League and in Europe will also help Arteta stake a claim for an international call-up, with Spain having overlooked him throughout his career.
He said: "I have been close and it is always a dream to play in that team, that is winning absolutely everything and the way they play is fantastic. I just want to do my job first and see what comes along."
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