Emiliano Martinez's time at Arsenal came to an end earlier this year.
The Argentine goalkeeper joined the Gunners in 2010 but never managed to establish himself as their number one.
He was sent on loan to six different clubs before taking his chance at Arsenal last season when Bernd Leno suffered an injury.
Martinez impressed in his 23 appearances during the 2019/20 season, which culminated in him helping his side to an FA Cup triumph.
He retained his place for Arsenal's Community Shield victory at the start of this season, but then returned to the bench following Leno's return.
Martinez decided he had had enough and made the move to Aston Villa in a £20m move, bringing an end to his 10-year spell at the club.
The 28-year-old has now opened up about his decision to leave Arsenal this summer.
"They called me from day one after the win against Chelsea in the FA Cup Final," he said of the interest from Villa, per the Independent.
"I just wanted to play first-team football and Arsenal could not guarantee me that.
"They would not say I was going to play in the first game of the season against Fulham so when I had that doubt I had to leave and Villa were the first option and the only one for me.
"I told him [Arteta] I wanted to play week in, week out and he couldn't guarantee who was going to start.
"Even before the Community Shield he didn't know who was going to play in goal. After 10 years at the club I didn't want to wait until Friday night, the day before the game, to know whether I was going to play against Fulham or not.
"So I just text him to say I was going to Aston Villa, so please help me and let me go.
"He was very honest and very open with me.
"He helped me to leave the club after so many years. I've already said how grateful I am for that and how pleased I am about how well he is doing at Arsenal. I'm so happy he is the leader of the club.
"Obviously I have ambitions and he couldn't help the ambitions that I wanted, so we had a clear conversation. He's a very honest man and a great leader for this football club."
GIVEMESPORT'S JAMES STROUD SAYS:
Arsenal may regret letting Martinez go.
He's had a great start to this season, having kept four clean sheets in his opening seven Premier League games for the club.
He's also saved a penalty and conceded just nine goals.
His form in goal has been a major reason why Villa have been so successful to start the season.