Steve McManaman has joined Man City on a two year deal and claimed he did not have to think twice about deciding on the move.
The former England winger sealed his return to England from Real Madrid this morning after coming through a medical at the club's Carrington training ground.
McManaman will link up with old friend and former Liverpool team-mate Robbie Fowler in a squad manager Kevin Keegan believes is now capable of challenging for honours.
It proved to be a flying visit for the 31-year-old, who will not play against Arsenal tomorrow, as he has now jetted back out to Spain ahead of an anticipated debut against Aston Villa on September 14th.
"This was not a difficult decision," McManaman told www.mcfc.co.uk."I know a lot of the players here, I have worked with Kevin Keegan before and I am really looking forward to working with him again.
"Manchester City is an exciting place to be and they are a team really on the up."
Although McManaman has enjoyed his four years in Spain, especially scoring in the 2000 Champions League final win over Valencia, the arrival of David Beckham in Madrid this summer, signalled a sharp downturn in his first-team prospects and made a departure almost inevitable.
Everton also expressed a firm interest in the player, who has won 37 England caps, but eventually backed off, leaving the way clear for Keegan to clinch his seventh signing since the end of last season.
"Steve is a world class player who won't be phased by the big stage," said Keegan.
"He has the ability to cover lots of positions and will always do it to the best of his ability.
"The most pleasing thing for me is the desire he showed to come here knowing that he gave up a lot to do so.
"He knows a lot of people here and has everybody's total respect. I know he will fit in here within 10 minutes.
"Steve has had a great time at Real Madrid and I still think he has a lot to offer."
Having also clinched the signature of Claudio Reyna yesterday, Keegan certainly cannot complain at the backing he has received from the City board.
However, having provided the cash, City will now expect results, with a place in the top six a clear aim as well as a decent run in Europe.