The Brazilian midfielder joined City in June from Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported £35million fee and is due to make his Premier League debut on Monday against Newcastle United.
According to the 28-year-old, both Chelsea and Tottenham were keen on securing his signature, but he was never set for a move to London.
"I know there were negotiations between Shakhtar and Chelsea. I don't know the details of those talks because I had already started speaking with City," he explained.
"Shakhtar made it clear that I was coming to Manchester. They told me that they had refused an offer.
"There was also a stage a year ago when I spoke to people from Tottenham but nothing came of that."
Fernandinho is one of four close-season signings made by City manager Manuel Pellegrini along with Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic.
"If I only wanted money and a comfortable life, I would have stayed in Ukraine," he said.
"I was in Donetsk for eight years. I was happy there. I won six titles. I knew everyone and I was a big part of the club.
"But I was presented with the challenge of coming to Manchester City and I am aware that over the last few years this is a project which has grown a lot.
"In my country we say that football is like a huge plate of food. Well, I want to eat everything because I want to win every trophy I can for City."
