Fabian Delph said the lure of Champions League football persuaded him to give up the captaincy of Aston Villa and join Manchester City.
The midfielder completed an £8 million move to the Etihad Stadium after a U-turn when he had initially pledged to stay with FA Cup finalists Villa.
But now he has insisted his determination to play in Europe's premier club competition explained his move.
"That was huge for me," he told reporters. "I think for every player, growing up as a kid you're used to watching Champions League football.
"For me it was a dream to come to a club as big as City and play Champions League. To have the possibility to do that was great for me and too good to turn down.
"Probably if I hadn't taken this opportunity now it could have passed me by. But throughout my career I've tried to take each game as it comes.
"If I one day managed to make the step up then great, and it seems to be happening now, so I'm very happy."
Delph enjoyed a breakthrough season last year when he established himself in the England side and was given the Villa armband.
And now the former Leeds player, who suffered a hamstring injury in his City debut as they lost 4-1 to Real Madrid on Friday, believes this transfer is the next step.
"I think in every player's career you look for progression and this opportunity for me is a chance to progress," Delph added.
"I'm not really looking back now. I'm not a player who dwells on things. I'm at City now and looking forward to challenging for titles.
"It's just a great club. I have the opportunity to come and win trophies, play with the best players in the world and challenge myself, to see if I can fit in and make the step up."