Enzo Fernandez took a swipe at Chelsea as he claimed he had always dreamed of playing for "a club as big as Manchester City".
The Argentina midfielder left Stamford Bridge to join City in a British record-equalling £125million deal late on deadline day.
Fernandez won the Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League during his time in London but now believes he can go on to greater glories with City.
The 25-year-old told the club's website: "I'm really happy to be here. I always dreamed of being at a club as big as City.
The Premier League set a new record for transfer spending as the window closed with a flurry of deals. More than half of the top flight's clubs broke their transfer records in a summer window featuring four of the most expensive ever signings.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity. It's a very emotional moment for me and my family, to take this step at 25 years old, in a football career that I always dreamed of.
"I'm so happy to be here, enjoying these first few hours I've had at the club. I can already see just how big it is and, we will enjoy ourselves and win lots of things together."
Chelsea had set their own deadline of August 14 for clubs make offers for Fernandez but that passed and City only firmed up their interest late in the transfer window.
It is understood the London club were quoting for £135m for the player as late as Monday but City were not prepared to do business at that price. After a day of intense negotiations, a settlement was eventually reached and the signing completed close to the 11pm deadline.
City have won 20 trophies in the past 10 years and Fernandez intends to spearhead the challenge for more.
"Manchester City have to win every trophy they compete for," said Fernandez, who links up again with his former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. "In every competition we play in, we have to compete and win, because this club's history demands that.
"To be honest, from the first day they believed in me and called me to say they wanted me to join the club, I didn't hesitate for a second.
"It's a club that has won a lot in recent years. It's a club that is making history in football and, for me, it's a huge challenge."
Enzo Maresca's squad has been renewed at enormous expense (John Walton/PA)
Fernandez's arrival completes a rapid refresh of the squad following the departure of long-serving manager Pep Guardiola.
