Aymeric Laporte described his Manchester City debut against West Brom as a "spectacular" feeling.
The French defender, who joined City after completing a £57 million move from Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday, started 30 hours later in a 3-0 triumph in a victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Laporte was expected to make his debut in the Premier League clash with Burnley on Saturday but after John Stones was taken ill, Pep Guardiola decided to play the 23-year-old the entire game on Wednesday, much to the player's surprise.
"I really didn't expect to be a starter," Laporte told Cadena Ser radio. "I only trained on Tuesday afternoon and then played the next day so I honestly didn't expect to start.
"I was told by the coach [on Wednesday afternoon] that I would be a starter. It was spectacular. I'm very happy about the victory."
Guardiola was delighted with Laporte's performance as City stopped West Brom having a shot until the 88th minute and hugged his new defender at full time.
"He congratulated me and told me to keep the same dynamic for the future and hopefully I will have the chance to play many more games," he said.
"Obviously I need to adapt to the team and what the team needs. I felt really well, everyone, the people and the fans have welcomed me which is important for someone who has just arrived."
A youth product of Athletic, Laporte signed a contract until 2023. The player expects to adapt very quickly to his new club.
"It's an incredible changing room," he said. "I've had a good reception. We all get on very well. I'm delighted to be working with them and to be working together with [Nicolas] Otamendi."
Laporte came close to joining City in the summer of 2016 but he changed his mind at the last minute. However, he wouldn't bedrawn on why the deal fell through.
"Only the club and I know the reasons, and I am going to keep it like that," he said.
On his reasons for joining now, he added: "I would say first for the team, how the team has played this season. Also the figure of the manager it is important because for me he is the best in the world. So one of my goals as a player is to train and play with the best."
Athletic replaced Laporte by signing Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez, who was a target of Barcelona in the summer.
"It's clear that the more competition there is in a team, the better it is for the club," Laporte said. "I wish Athletic the best and if that [signing] is what they consider to be the right move then good for them.
"I will never forget Bilbao and Athletic but right now I'm focused on my new club. I'm very grateful to Manchester City, they are incredible."
City are 15 points clear of nearest league rivals Manchester United at the top of the Premier League standings after 25 games played. Laporte is not getting carried away.
"We have to continue," he said. "The more points we gain, the better for us."