Mikel Arteta: 'Arsenal move was too good to turn down'

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.