The 26-year-old had appeared to be heading for Tottenham after Everton agreed a deal in the closing stages of the transfer window, only for the move to collapse when Spurs were unable to complete a separate deal to sell Richarlison.
Manchester City moved swiftly to hijack the switch, agreeing a £60m deal plus a further £5m in potential add-ons, and threw Ndiaye straight into their starting XI for a 1-0 Premier League win over Coventry at the weekend.
"There was no stress or panicking," Ndiaye said. "I always say whatever comes, comes. God decides your future — it is already written. I was just being patient and when City came through I was buzzing. It was always going to be City.
"I wanted Champions League and playing at one of the best teams in the world. I am not saying Tottenham is not, but when Manchester City comes through you don't say no. It has been a good week for me and topped off with a win."
Ndiaye scored 17 goals in two seasons at Everton despite the club finishing in the bottom half of the table on both occasions, becoming a firm fan favourite for his dribbling ability and end product from the flanks. He explained that Champions League football had always been his priority whenever he decided to leave Merseyside.
"When I was speaking with my wife, I was telling her that if I had to leave Everton it would be somewhere where I know I would be playing Champions League," he said. "It was difficult to leave Everton. I created a great connection with the fans and the players there, but we have to move on sometimes and it's how football is."
The Senegal international's rise to the top of the English game has taken an unconventional path, having begun his professional career in non-league football with Boreham Wood before a loan spell at Hyde United, just seven miles from the Etihad Stadium, seven years ago. He went on to play in the Championship with Sheffield United and spent a season at Marseille before joining Everton for £15m in 2024.
"I don't really look back. I just look to the future and work hard. I never stop. I just look at the next step and this is a big step to join Manchester City," Ndiaye said.
"It is one of the biggest clubs in the world. There are world-class players, world-class stadium and the fans are brilliant. This is where I think I belong. I have worked hard to get to this point."