Thiago Silva: I am not a mercenary

Paris Saint-Germain center-half Thiago Silva says he did not join the Ligue 1 side for the money, but for the opportunity to win trophies.

The Brazilian spent three years at AC Milan, but he and Zlatan Ibrahimovic left the Rossoneri to join the Parisians this summer.

It was thought that Silva would stay in Italy, as although he had been strongly linked with a move away from the San Siro, the club rejected an offer from PSG and the 27-year-old subsequently signed a new deal to remain at the Milan club until 2017.

However Carlo Ancelotti's side submitted a new offer which was accepted by the Serie A club and Silva completed a move to France.

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

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

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

"I realized 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 10million euros and sold me for 42."

Silva believes his new club are destined for success, with help from other former Milan staff.

"Everyone spoke highly of Ancelotti. With him and Ibra (Zlatan Ibrahimovic), 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."