Arsenal's new signing Mikel Arteta has said that the appeal of Champions League football at the Emirates was too good to turn down.
The Spaniard completed a £10m move from Everton just before the summer transfer window closed at 11pm on Wednesday night.
"It is a big opportunity for me and my family and I think it is the right time for me to take it," said Arteta.
"It is a big challenge, a different challenge, fresh for me and I want to see myself on the biggest stage, the Champions League.
"I am 29 years old so I haven't got much time left to take a chance like this one. I think I have done my best for Everton."
Arteta also spoke fondly of his six and a half years at Goodison Park.
"It is very difficult to say goodbye. I still can't believe it but at the same time I think it is the right moment for everyone," he added.
"That is the way football is, there is always a start and an end and today is the end of probably the best time of my career. I am never going to forget it.
"Obviously I am never going to forget what I have done here and what the people and this club have done for me."
He made 161 appearances for the Toffees, scoring 27 goals.
Pascal Lemesre
