The English midfielder left his boyhood club to join Nottingham Forest in a £30 million move in the summer and thinks that the move was necessary as he pursues more first-team opportunities.

McAtee – who captained England to glory at the Under-21 Euros earlier this year – told FourFourTwo magazine: "I kind of knew it when I had to make the choice to go to the Euros.

"I'm getting older now, and it was time to play and get my name out there."

McAtee found it tough telling City manager Pep Guardiola that he wished to move on but appreciated the coach's understanding of the situation.

He said: "Leaving my childhood club was tough, but I think we both knew it was the right time and the right thing to do.

"It wasn't a tough decision in the end. Most people know it was the right one."

McAtee revealed that he had the chance to move to Germany's Bundesliga but opted to switch to Forest as he wanted make his mark in the Premier League.

He explained: "I went out to Germany and it was impressive, but my heart wanted to stay in the Premier League and try to prove myself here.

"Forest had a great year last season. They're in Europe and that was a big pull, because I want to play in Europe as much as possible."

McAtee also revealed he was convinced to join Forest after conversations with his Young Lions team-mate Elliot Anderson – who has gone on to earn a place in the England senior squad this season - during the Euros.

The midfielder said: "I was speaking to Elliot during the whole Euros about the club, he's a good friend.

"It sounded like a good project. He got his call-up and had a great season – I saw that, and I wanted to do similar."