Rami - Money not an issue

Rami: Off to Spain

Adil Rami insists money played no part in his decision to agree a switch from Lille to Valencia.

The France international is set to leave his homeland at the end of the season after agreeing a move to Spain.

He has previously claimed that his decision to join Los Che was driven by a desire to take on a new challenge and avoid becoming stale.

The 25-year-old maintains that his choice was based purely on professional factors, with claims that a salary rise helped to force his hand wide of the mark.

"When I was made aware of the clubs that were interested, I immediately said yes to Valencia," Rami told L'Equipe.

Ambition

"I didn't say yes for the money. They had been following me for a year. Their ambition and drive was huge.

"I do not believe that I am incapable of playing for a big European club like Real Madrid or Barcelona.

"I needed another challenge and now I will get the chance to play in La Liga and the Champions League every year."

Regarding Lille's chances of hanging on to their standing at the Ligue 1 summit, Rami added: "Lille's season? We are on course to finish within the top three. But there is still a long way to go in the title race."