Sevilla winger Jesus Navas said it was Manchester City's desire to land him at all costs that tilted the balance in the English Premier League club's favor.
City agreed a fee, believed to around £24 million ($37 million), with Sevilla a few weeks back and the club are expected to confirm the signing soon.
Navas has previously spurned offers from abroad owing to his problems with homesickness - which is why he has never played for a club other than Sevilla, despite winning the World Cup and European championship with Spain.
But having matured enough the 27-year-old feels now is the right time to test himself in the Premier League.
"I want to keep growing as a player," he told El Confidencial.
"Things have been clear for a few months. City made a strong move for me and I knew my time in Sevilla would come to an end.
"They have shown great interest and I never doubted that I should go to City. It's all been very clear.
"I love the football in the Premier League for its speed and strength. I will know people there like (David) Silva, who has told me great things, so I don't think I will have a problem adapting to the club or the city. I'm sure I can do important things."
Navas also gave a thumbs up to Manuel Pellegrini, who is expected to be named new City manager in the coming days.
"Everybody knows what Pellegrini brings," he added. "Wherever he has been, he has improved the performance of the players he has had. There is no doubting his capacity as a coach.
"But the one factor that made me lean towards City was the club's level of interest. One day I hope I can return to Pizjuan to play a Champions League match. But City loved me, others did not."
