Tim Cahill has landed in Melbourne ahead of his unveiling as the year's biggest A-League signing, and has won Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou's support for the move.
Cahill, the Socceroos' all-time leading scorer, will wear City's sky blue kit this season after signing a two-year playing deal with the A-League club.
The 36-year-old said he was excited to be playing his club football in Australia for the first time.
"It's been 19, 20 years since I left as a young kid to go follow my dreams," he told Fox Sports News.
"To come around full circle I have to admit it's an exciting time for me and my family."
Family reasons topped the list, followed by the lure of joining the City Football Group and the opportunities the football conglomerate could bring after his playing days, while he also suggested he would increase his media presence.
Postecoglou has endorsed the move, saying it would help the striker maintain his fitness as Australia attempts to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
"He's going to be fantastic for Melbourne City to start with. It's important he's gone to the right club," he told News Corp.
"I know he will be well looked after in a sports science aspect.
"He's very professional on and off the field but he'll have a really good infrastructure at City to make sure his body is looked after, which is key, and the league will suit him in that sense."
Cahill will meet his teammates for the first time on Monday, as the club prepares for next week's FFA Cup clash with Brisbane Strikers.
The striker said he had "no idea" whether he would be fit for the match, and would leave it up to club doctors.