BEIJING -- Nolito has said he turned down Barcelona to sign for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Nolito, 29, said he had a straight decision between the two clubs and opted to join the Premier League side in a £13.8 million move from Celta Vigo.
Nolito started his career at the Camp Nou, where Guardiola promoted him to the first team, and said the Catalan coach was one of the major factors behind his decision to reject his former club.
"The truth is I enjoyed working with him in Barcelona even though it wasn't much time," he told reporters. "It's a reason for me to come here but not the only one.
"It was also about City -- they have a great team, it's a great project, they got to the semifinals of the Champions League last season and the truth is I will try to help this club achieve great things."
Asked if it was a straight choice between City and Barca, he replied: "Yes. It's something I spoke about with my family and my management.
"I thought it was the best decision for me and my career. I have come to the Premier League to play with City under Pep Guardiola, who will play me in the first team and I am very happy with the decision I took.
"I wish Barcelona all the best. I am very proud of Barcelona's interest, but now I am here and I think I made the best decision to come here."
Nolito, who impressed at Euro 2016 despite Spain's disappointing exit in the round of 16 to Italy, only joined up with his new teammates on their preseason tour to China.
But he has been impressed by what he has seen so far and believes City are capable of challenging for silverware in every competition this season.
"I have been here a couple of days, but I can see we have a good team and we can do anything," he added. "Why can't we win the league?
"It's a different league, the hardest in the world, and I think we will try to win it. Let's see what happens. [David] Silva, [Sergio] Aguero -- they are players who play near me -- they are good players. But they have good players from the goalkeeper to the strikers, they have a great team, we have it all.
"I think that it is one of the best teams in Europe. They have some of the best players and facilities in Europe. I am very happy with what I have seen so far."
Nolito turns 30 in October but was a relatively late bloomer after spells at Barca, Benfica and Celta. He made 34 appearances for Celta last season, scoring 13 goals, and he insists he still has plenty to offer.
"I am 29, I am in the best form and shape of my career and I had a good year last year," he added. "I am relaxed about it.
"I have followed my path in life, but things have started to come together now. I feel like I have done a good job wherever I have gone."