Kieran Trippier says money was not the motivating factor in his decision to swap Spanish champions Atletico Madrid for Newcastle.
The England defender completed his £12million move yesterday and, while he will become the club’s highest earner, sources say his salary is not in excess of £100,000-per-week.
Tripper, 31, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal on Tyneside after informing Atletico in the summer of his desire to return to England for family reasons.
He said: ‘Players who have played with me and managers I’ve worked with, they know what type of character I am. I will fight for the shirt and I love a challenge.
‘I came here for the project, everything about it. There was other interest but I didn’t think twice about joining Newcastle.
'If people want to say it’s about money, they’re entitled to do so. But I know my reasons why - and money isn’t one of them.'
Eddie Howe has made it clear to the club’s owners he wants to maintain a harmonious dressing-room, and a sensible wage structure is key. Everton’s Lucas Digne is said to be asking for £200k-per-week and is no longer thought to be a Newcastle target.
Howe, meanwhile, believes the capture of a current England international as the first signing of the Saudi-led regime will send a message to other targets.
‘It is a sign that the club has a huge pull,’ he said. ‘I’m not talking financially, either. Kieran hasn’t come for financial benefits.
‘He has come for the club and the longer-term vision. Hopefully other players from around the world will look at that and share his dream and vision.
