"It came as a proper shock when I was told that Norwich wanted me and that the club had accepted an offer, but I don't want anyone thinking that I was forced out," Croft told the Manchester Evening News.
"Stuart Pearce was honest and said that he couldn't offer me a guaranteed starting slot or predict how many games I would get but assured me that he was happy for me to stay.
"It is obviously a wrench that I am leaving but I have to view it as the next stage of my career and a huge challenge. I'm sorry to leave behind City's fans, they have always been great to me. I thank the club too because they gave me my chance."
Croft, who spent 9 years with City, said the prospect of seeing some familiar faces at Norwich helped him decide to make the move.
"City old boys Dickson Etuhu and Darren Huckerby are both at Norwich already and I spoke to them before reaching my decision," he said. "They really sold the family values of the club and the city itself as a place to live.
"I also spoke to Bradley Wright-Phillips, who told me how much he was enjoying his change of environment. I was also impressed by the facilities down in Norwich and the manager's plans.
"It has all happened very quickly and I have not had a proper chance to say goodbyes but Andy Cole, Paul Dickov, Darius Vassell and Nick Weaver have all been on the phone to wish me well."