Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has revealed that he left David Moyes' Everton side back in 2012 because he was getting 'sick of football' after a lack of game time, and needed to go 'through that wall'.
The 24-year-old began his footballing education under the Scottish manager with the Toffees back in 2009 as a 17-year-old, but after almost three years, the German international had made just one appearance for the senior side in the Europa League.
Speaking exclusively to theDaily Mail, the World Cup winning central defender has spoken about just why he approached Moyes to move away from Merseyside, and how he appreciates his former manager's respect for his wishes after hitting a metaphoric wall in his early football days.
"I went there when I was 17, so a young guy, and I understand it was not easy for David Moyes to pick me because his team was working," began Mustafi.
"But after two and a half years I started to think I really needed to play.
Incredible Alexis fact. Mustafi opens up & Stoke could hurt us if we are notprepared¦ https://t.co/Bqh47hGSac pic.twitter.com/tSsnaj63RB
"I thought I would prefer to make a step backwards and get games, rather than just going year after year not making a step. I knew I had to look for solutions, even if that meant going to the second division in Italy to get my games. It was a big decision.
"I told the club and David Moyes. He actually said to me, 'If you don't want to extend your contract, it is no problem. You are a young player, we do not want to destroy your career. If you want to go you can go, even in January if you want'. I really appreciated that from Moyes."
After spells with Serie A side Sampdoria and La Liga side Valencia, Mustafi made the £30m switch to north London this summer, and has become an integral part of the Arsenal defence in a side that is looking for their first title since 2004.