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The Australian national team defender Lucas Neill has agreed to join the London club and rejected the offer because they could not guarantee him a place in the starting lineup. The Aussie confirmed his decision in an interview with the Sydney "Sunday Telegraph" newspaper. The footballer could cost the "Hammers" £1.5m but will earn £60,000 per week, which is believed to be twice as much as what "Liverpool" offered him. "Money is not everything - it's not about that. I made this decision because they wanted me," Neill stated. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was upset by reports that the 28-year-old defender, whose contract with Blackburn ends next summer, was considering a move to Upton Park. Benitez was preparing to offer West Ham left-back Stephen Warnock in exchange for Neill, but changed his mind when he heard that Neill was thinking about a move to West Ham. "The Hammers would have done anything to get me, while Liverpool only made an offer. They didn't even show interest in me for 15 days since the transfer window opened. People who are surprised by my decision should be even more surprised because West Ham's list of wanted players blew me away. People claimed that I care more about money than titles, and were amazed at how I could join West Ham instead of Liverpool, who are always fighting for titles and honor," explained the Australian. "It was an incredibly tough decision, but I know it is the right one. West Ham pulled out all the stops to attract me, while Liverpool gave me the impression that I might not even play if I moved there. I supported them as a kid, and I know people will try to label me for not choosing them," the player said.
