Hughes was sacked as City boss last year after failing to deliver the club's cash-rich owners the instant success their investment required.
After several months out of the game, the 46-year-old replaced Roy Hodgson at Fulham this summer.
He now says he felt relieved when his Eastlands spell was over after admitting he too often "toed the line" against his instincts.
"It's good to be at a club now where I am not being pulled in different directions," Hughes told the Daily Mail.
"Eventually, I understood it was a feeling of relief that it was over (at City). I wasn't enjoying it there at the end. I had no bitterness, no regrets, but I was relieved to be away.
"How was I treated? At times, I had support. At times, I needed support and I didn't get it. And then there were times when support that was there was withdrawn...especially towards the end. I toed the party line more than I should.
"I compromised my own values more than I should. It won't happen again but I'll say this: it has made me a better manager."
Source: PA
Source: PA