James Beattie signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke on Monday. The former Sheffield United player told BBC Radio Stoke: "I'm very happy. I can't wait to start playing and to join the fight.
"I'm disappointed to leave Sheffield United but the chance to play in the Premier League takes that away."
"I don't think it was a footballing decision to let me go," said the 30 year old "more one taken by the financial people."
Beattie said that meeting Potters boss Tony Pulis was enough to convince him to move to the Potteries.
"I'd heard a lot of good things about the gaffer from people who know a lot about football," said Beattie. "He's a fighter, who wants keep this club in the Premier League."
Beattie also said that he was impressed with City's performance in Saturday evening's goalless draw with league leaders Liverpool.
"The lads all seemed to be pulling in the right direction," said Beattie.
"They were willing to fight and that's a big part of my game, so that's maybe why the gaffer wanted to bring me here.
"I think I'm a better player now than I was when I left (the Premier League)," said Beattie. "Hopefully I can show that to the fans and my new team-mates."