Fernandinho made a personal financial sacrifice to make his "dream" move to Manchester City happen, according to reports.
The Brazilian midfielder has moved to the Etihad Stadium from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee the Ukrainian club have reported as ?34million.
That fee is more than City were initially willing to pay but a compromise has been reached for a player who had a reported ?42.5million release clause in his Shakhtar contract.
It is understood that Fernandinho, who was City's top summer target, agreed to take a financial hit of some kind in his eagerness to join the Eastlands outfit.
The 28-year-old's desire to move to City had been well documented and his wish has now come true with what is thought to be a five-year contract.
Fernandinho, capped five times by Brazil, told the club's website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "This is a change, a challenge and a chance that I have been waiting a long time for.
"Playing in the Premier League for City is like a dream.
"My ambition here is to win all the titles, the team here is strong, and so is the greatness of the club and the supporters.
"Professionally this is a spectacular thing. Playing for a huge club in a huge league makes me so happy.
"I hope I will be able to repay City for what they have done for me.
"I know I will face challenges but I am prepared for them. Every player at a high level faces pressure and must respond and I am ready for that too.
"I know a lot about City. Ever since they expressed an interest in me, I have been learning more."
Fernandinho's arrival is likely to be followed by that of Manuel Pellegrini as new manager in the coming days, possibly early next week.
City have been in discussions with the Chilean, long their preferred choice to succeed the sacked Roberto Mancini, since he took charge of Malaga for the final time last weekend.
Despite a perceived delay there is not thought to be any complications and his appointment should be a formality.
The signing of Sevilla winger Jesus Navas, for a fee understood to be worth around ?15.9million, is also imminent.
Sevilla announced earlier this week a deal for the 27-year-old was in place, subject to a medical.
City have given no indication when this may take place but the player is currently on international duty with Spain ahead of the Confederations Cup in Brazil.
It is clear that City intend to strike early in the transfer market this summer after learning lessons from the frustrations of last year.
Mancini regularly blamed the failure to land top targets as one of the chief reasons for the team's regression after winning the Barclays Premier League in 2012.
There has been a regime change since then following the appointment of new chief executive Ferran Soriano, with player recruitment now being driven by director of football Txiki Begiristain.
Pellegrini will be expected to work within the framework of the new structure.
Fernandinho is thought to have been on their radar for some time.
The deep-lying playmaker has been one of Shakhtar's star players since joining them from Atletico Paranaense in a ?7million deal in 2005.
He helped them to six Ukrainian league titles as well as UEFA Cup success in 2009.
He shone in front of an English audience when playing - and scoring - against Chelsea in the Champions League last season.
He and Navas may not be the only new players at City this summer with the club also linked with Malaga playmaker Isco and Napoli striker Edinson Cavani.
