Neill: Why I chose Hammers
Lucas Neill claims money was not the reason for his decision to snub Liverpool.
Blackburn's Lucas Neill claims money was not the reason for his decision to snub Liverpool and sign for West Ham.
Neill has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal worth a reported £60,000-a-week with The Hammers, and will sign for a fee of around £1.5million.
The 28-year-old, whose Rovers contract had just six months left to run, claims to have been 'blown away' by the ambition of The Hammers' new owner Eggert Magnusson.
However his decision to turn down a move to UEFA Champions League hopefuls Liverpool in favour of a more lucrative move to the East End strugglers have led some to question Neill's ambition.
"It wasn't about cash - that didn't come into it," Neill told Sydney's Sunday Telegraph. "It was about being wanted. West Ham were knocking down the door to get me whereas Liverpool made a take it or leave it offer and didn't even come in for me until 15 days after the transfer window opened.
"People who have raised their eyebrows at me for making this decision are in for a surprise because West Ham have a shopping list of players which almost blew me away.
"People have said I put money before medals and how could I make a sideways move like this and not go to a club like Liverpool, who are always in the hunt for trophies and so much prestige.
"It was an extremely hard decision but I know it's the right one. West Ham moved heaven and earth to sign me while Liverpool gave me the impression that I might not even get a game if I went there.
"I supported them as a kid and I know people are going to give me stick for not choosing them."
Neill revealed his meeting with Magnusson clinched the deal.
"What he said almost knocked me off my feet," said Neill.
"He told me I'm the first of many (new signings) earmarked for the club.
"I can be part of something big here. West Ham are very well supported. They just happen to be at the wrong end of the table at the moment but I hope to play my part in helping remedy that."
