Thiago Silva: "I'm not a mercenary"

Paris Saint-Germain's new signing Thiago Silva has revealed that "economic difficulties" forced him out of AC Milan.

The Brazilian completed a €42m (£37m) move to the French capital last month following protracted transfer negotiations between the two clubs.

Silva's departure prompted a furious reaction from Rossoneri fans, who branded him as a mercenary.

However, the 27-year-old has said that it was up to the Milan board to sell him and he never asked to leave.

"I said clearly that I wanted to stay up until the end of my contract," Silva told Gazzetta dello Sport. "The fans mobilised and [Silvio] 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 €10m and sold me for 42."

Silva was joined at the Parc des Prices by his Milan teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

He said that this connection, as well as manager Carlo Ancelotti, will help him settle quickly in France.

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

"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 and maybe beat them."

Silva spent three years at the San Siro following his £9m move from Fluminense.