Lille midfielder Angel Gomes denies claims he quit Manchester United for money.
Gomes declined a new deal in 2020, taking the bold step to move overseas.
"There was a contract there that was on the table for me to sign," said Gomes, now part of England U21's squad.
"Everyone refers to 'I left for more money' which, for me, makes no sense why anyone would leave Man United, the biggest club in the world, with a lot of money, to go to the French league to play for Lille.
"That obviously made no sense and, for me, it was more to do with the pathway and the opportunity that Lille were bringing. At the time I'd spoken to a lot of people at the club and a lot of people from Lille.
"It was just a decision I chose to make and nothing to do with personal issues at the club or anything. I didn't leave on anything negative and I have nothing negative towards the club because without them I wouldn't be where I am today, so that was literally how things went.
"It was a big step and I knew it was going to be a big step. It is not one I regret because it is for my development and I know a lot of good can come from it."
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