Roy - No money motive for Cole

Cole: New Anfield recruit

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson insists money was not the driving force behind Joe Cole's move to Anfield.

"I'm pleased to say that Joe has chosen Liverpool to come and play football - and not because of the money."
Roy Hodgson. Quotes of the week

Winger Cole was left a free agent after failing to agree a new contract with Chelsea this summer, and much was made of the England international's reported demands of £90,000-a-week in wages.

But while Hodgson admits the financial aspect was obviously a consideration for the Reds, the new manager is adamant the 28-year-old chose to join the Merseysiders for the football opportunities.

Money

"I'm very pleased because any concern that it was going to turn into an auction all about money quickly disappeared after myself and (managing director) Christian Purslow had a long conversation with Joe," said Hodgson.

"Obviously he is going to be a high wage earner because he is a free transfer - he was at his previous club - and he would be worth a lot of money on the transfer market.

"We wanted to make it clear that we wanted him for football reasons and only if he fitted in with our wage structure.

"I'm pleased to say that Joe has chosen Liverpool to come and play football - and not because of the money.

"That's a very satisfying thing for me as a manager and for the club itself."