Gini Wijnaldum admits he thought he was leaving Liverpool to join Barcelona - before explaining a "decisive" move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Wijnaldum confirmed on Thursday he will join PSG on a free transfer at the end of the month having failed to agree a deal to extend his five-year stay at Anfield.
Barcelona had been strong favourites to sign the 30-year-old having twice met with the player's agents to discuss a three-year deal.
Wijnaldum, though, revealed he couldn't reach an agreement with the Catalans despite almost a month of talks.
And he detailed how PSG's willingness to conclude business swiftly played a part in switching to the Parc des Princes.
“It was a difficult choice," said Wijnaldum, speaking on Saturday at a press conference ahead of Holland's opening Euro 2020 game against Ukraine in Amsterdam on Sunday.
"I actually negotiated with Barcelona for four weeks and we didn't get it.
"PSG was more decisive and the project they have there really appealed to me.
"Yes, I admit I’m going to make more money in Paris, but my choice has nothing to do with the money.
"I have to say that I also thought I would go to Barca, the only club I'd been interested in for a long time."
Wijnaldum, who will skipper his country at the European Championships, made 237 appearances and scored 22 goals for Liverpool having signed from Newcastle United for £25million in July 2016.
