The former Portsmouth man, 29, was a surprise mover as the January window shut but after initial reports that he had signed for City, it was suggested that his registration had not been completed in time.

Portsmouth, though, had already moved to secure the services of Jermain Defoe until the end of the season and the deal eventually went through with a restructured payment plan which could net Pompey £7.75million.

Benjani, who has scored 12 goals this season, was relaxed about the saga but did admit he was shocked to be leaving the south coast.

"I am very happy to be a Manchester City player," he said.

"Every player wishes to play for a big club. I enjoyed my time (at Portsmouth) but in life and in football you have to move on.

"I was happy there and I was surprised because it was two days before the transfer window closed (that City made contact). Usually you hear when a club is looking at you two weeks before."

Asked if he was concerned about the deal being scuppered by red tape - or worries over his fitness following a medical - he said: "No, I was cool, I was ready. It went through before the deadline so for me there were no problems because I signed before the deadline."

He also moved to deny comments that any delay was caused by him falling asleep and missing his flight to Manchester.

He said: "No I did not fall asleep, the problem was that I live in Bournemouth and there was no flight so I had to drive to London. The first flight from there was delayed so I came late.

"I am immensely happy to be here though, that is why I drove all the way from my home to London to get here."

The former Auxerre front man could be pitched straight into the intensity and emotion of the Manchester derby on Sunday - a match lent even further significance by the 50th anniversary of the Munich disaster, which both sides will commemorate by wearing jerseys without sponsors' logos.

But he is ready for whatever the Red Devils have in store and is eager to transfer his fine form at Portsmouth to Sven-Goran Eriksson's side.

"This is a team with big quality and I hope to fit well with them," he said.

"I am confident that playing with good players you must score goals. I know Manchester United is a big debut so I am excited.

"Everyone is aware of it (the Munich memorial) and we respect that but in terms of football we will try and beat them.

"We must go there, try hard and give as much as possible to get some points."