Daniel Sturridge says he learnt a lot during his time at Manchester City but felt he was forced to leave in order to further his career.
The 23-year-old moved to Chelsea - and spent time on loan at Bolton - before returning to the north-west to join Liverpool four weeks ago.
Sturridge started training with City's first team at the age of 17 before making his debut in February 2007.
However, when the club became one of the wealthiest in world football, City bought a number of top-class strikers leaving Sturridge a long way down the pecking order and his time at club was coming to an end.
Ahead of this weekend's match in east Manchester, he said: "When the new owners (Sheikh Mansour) came in they started spending more money and so for me it was always going to be difficult.
"People said I was greedy to sign for Chelsea and leave City but they (City) are the richest club in the world, so why I am being greedy going to a club with less money?
"When I moved to Chelsea it was again difficult with (Didier) Drogba and (Nicolas) Anelka there.
"I knew I wouldn't play every week but I knew I would learn from both players.
"I won some trophies with Chelsea, won the Youth Cup with City which will always be with me for the rest for my life.
"I had some great friendships there, so I'd like to thank them for bringing me to where I am today - the Academy people at City were fantastic."
As for Liverpool, he added: "Hopefully this is the club I settle at and stay at for many years to come.
"I have no worries, no stresses. I already have a love for the club and it is growing day-in, day-out and hopefully we can stay in love for the rest of our lives.
"The history of Liverpool means the only team who compares is Man United and you only realise how big this club is when you actually get here. It is a blessing to be here."
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