David Luiz has insisted that it was his decision to leave Chelsea and not that of Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
The Brazil international left Stamford Bridge for Paris Saint-Germain during the World Cup last summer in a deal worth £50m.
Luiz has revealed that he did not have much contact with Mourinho before leaving West London.
"It was a period where I learned a lot. I wouldn't say [it was] difficult," the defender told Bleacher Report. "When you live through new experiences and new situations in your life, that's when you grow. I knew I was going before the World Cup.
"When I left, I was with Brazil, and I didn't really have any contact with [Mourinho]. I was in Brazil on holiday first, then preparing for the World Cup.
"Everything was presented to me, I accepted, and he sent me a little message saying 'good luck.' Afterward, I went straight to Paris. I didn't go back to London."
Luiz made 143 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea.
Steven Toplis
