Robin van Persie says that he did not leave Manchester United for the money and could have earned €48m had he accepted an offer from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.
The veteran Netherlands international ended a three-year spell at Manchester United earlier this summer by joining Turkish giants Fenerbahce in a surprise switch.
He had only a single year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford and it has been suggested that the lucrative offer put on the table by the Turks played a big part in his decision to move.
But not so insists Van Persie, who says that Shanghai Shenhua came calling with an eye-watering contract proposal which would have netted him almost €50m.
"Chinese giants Shanghai Shenhua offered me a great contract", he was quoted as saying by Voetbal Primeur.
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"I could have signed a four-year contract with a salary of €12m per year.
"There I'd have earned a total of €48m.
"My decision had nothing to do with money."
Shanghai Shenhua boast former Chelsea striker Demba Ba in their ranks at present, along with former Everton and New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill.
Also at the Chinese giants is ex-Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko.
