Brazil forward Neymar said he felt “sad” that people think his world record move from Barcelona to Paris St- Germain was motivated by money.
The 25-year-old playmaker joined the French club for a record fee of 222m euros (£200m) and will earn 45m euros (£40.7m) a year, the BBC reported.
Neymar, who could play in PSG’s first league match of the season on Saturday, said his price was “not a burden”.
PSG chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi added that Neymar could have earned more money at another club.
The Ligue club’s total outlay on the Brazilian is expected to be £400m. His father objected to the move but the player said he expected his father to understand.
Asked at his official unveiling at the Parc des Princes if he was motivated by money, Neymar replied: “What I say to these people is they don’t know anything about my personal life. I was never motivated by money.
“If I was following the money, I would be somewhere else, with other clubs in other countries. I’m really sad that people still think that way and I’m glad that PSG believe in me.”
