Money not a factor in Chelsea move, says Raul Meireles

New Chelsea signing Raul Meireles says money was not a factor in his last-minute move from Liverpool to Chelsea on transfer deadline day.

The Portuguese midfielder has defended his part in the transfer after criticism from some Liverpool fans.

"People think I am a Judas and that it was because of the money. It was not because of that," he said.

"I will explain it later. I am not the only one to blame for my exit from Liverpool," added the 28-year-old.

RAUL MEIRELES FACTFILE

  • Made Portuguese first division debut in 2003 for Boavista
  • Won four consecutive Portuguese league titles with Porto from 2005/06 onwards
  • Has won 47 caps for Portugal and scored in 2010 World Cup finals v North Korea
  • Voted PFA Fans' Player of the Year in 2010/11 season

Meireles, who has linked up at Stamford Bridge with his former Porto coach Andre Villas-Boas, came off the substitutes' bench in Liverpool's opening two Premier League games, as new signings Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam were preferred by manager Kenny Dalglish.

Despite the loan exits from Anfield of fellow midfielders Joe Cole and Alberto Aquilani, Meireles handed in a transfer request in the final hour of the window, which paved the way for his move to London.

"It all happened very fast. I will never stop loving the club [Liverpool] and I have great friends there," he told Radio e Televisao de Portugal.

"The most important thing is to give my all every time and try to help Chelsea win titles.

"These are things that happen in football. I can only say good things about Liverpool. It was a fantastic year."

Meireles, who won four Portuguese league titles with Porto, suffered a collarbone injury in his final Liverpool appearance against Exeter City in the Carling Cup.