"I would have fancied staying at Blackburn if Liverpool hadn't come in because I was happy there and the new contract they offered me was very good," he said.
"But you have to decide whether your dream is worth more than money. I came here because I have been a Liverpool fan all my life and because I would rather see medals on the mantlepiece than have money.
"I used to get really annoyed when I thought someone was in the game just for what they'd get in their pay packets. But I've grown up a bit. I now appreciate everyone has different motivations. Sure, some people are driven on by money. They think they will get a better contract if they play well.
"Their outlook might not be the same as mine, but it is what works for them so I let them get on with what they have to do.
"In fact, some of the worst attitudes I've seen have come from the very best players, so who am I to say what's wrong and what's right? The aim here is to win every game you play and if you can't live up to those expectations you don't last very long here. And I aim to be here a long time!"