Newcastle United winger Valentino Lazaro has revealed he felt like the Premier League pushed a "gun to his chest" in order to collect 30% of his wages.
The on-loan Inter Milan player admits he has no issues with making contributions to charity or the NHS, but was not satisfied how the situation unfolded.
Lazaro, speaking to German magazine Bild, said: “The clubs approached us without any conditions and demanded 30%.
"Two days later we were already pilloried by the league.
"It came out of nowhere, felt like a gun to my chest."
When asked if he felt like he'd been blackmailed, Lazaro said: "Yes.
"This is not fair communication.
"Everyone wants to do something social, but then please for the right purpose.
"We prefer to give our money directly to local shops, facilities and hospitals and do something good.
"The lack of money for club employees should be borne by the clubs, from our player perspective.
"We Newcastle players provide part of our weekly salaries.
"Players from other clubs do this too.
"One should also not forget that the taxes on high professional salaries are important for the English health system."
Lazaro was also asked by the publication to gives his views on his next move with Newcastle originally hopeful of turning his loan into a permanent deal.
But the winger offered no assurances, he said: "It’s no secret that I met Leipzig’s Julian Nagelsmann and Markus Krösche before I was loaned to Newcastle.
"I like their philosophy very much, at that time I cancelled with a heavy heart.
"I wanted to play in England once and Newcastle looked very good.
"Who knows what happens in summer.
"I still have a four-year contract with Inter."
