Thiago Silva tells AC Milan fans: I am not a mercenary

Brazil captain Thiago Silva insists he did not leave AC Milan to join Paris Saint-Germain for money, but for the opportunity to win silverware.

The 27-year-old ended a three-year spell at the San Siro last month to move to the Parc des Princes in a deal worth €42 million.

Just over two weeks before the transfer, though, it seemed as if Silva would stay at Milan as the club rejected an offer from PSG and the defender subsequently signed a new deal to remain at the Rossoneri until 2017.

However, the Ligue 1 giants came back with a new offer which was accepted by Milan and the former Fluminense player made the switch to the French capital.

''I said clearly that I wanted to stay up until the end of my contract,'' Silva told Gazetta dello Sport.

''There have been discussions between PSG and Milan, between Leonardo and Galliani. But the fans have mobilised and Berlusconi did not want to sell me, I then extended and I was delighted.

''Then things changed. Leonardo called me to tell me that negotiations had resumed, he wanted me, he was ready to make great efforts.''

''I realised that Milan had economic difficulties and it would be very difficult to stay. I am not a mercenary. Milan, it was my home. On the other hand, they made a big deal. They bought me for €10 million and sold me for 42."

Silva believes that with the likes of coach Carlo Ancelotti and Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic, PSG are destined to win trophies in the near future.

''Everyone spoke highly of Ancelotti. With him and Ibra, I have a little bit of Milan with me,'' he added.

''PSG sets up a very strong team, we'll see if we can win something quickly and go as far as possible Champions League. In this regard, I'd love to see my former partners (of Milan). And maybe beat them.''