Michael Essien has admitted he is not worth £26 million and revealed he almost joined Liverpool during Gerard Houllier's reign at Anfield.
The Lyon midfielder is finalising his move to Chelsea on Friday after pushing to leave the French champions.
"After the Champions League final, when Steven Gerrard decided to stay at Liverpool, despite contact with Chelsea, I knew I would be the top priority for Chelsea," he told France Football.
"I don't make the decision for my financial value.
"Now it is obvious I am not worth €38 million but that is football business."
The 22-year-old was upset to leave Houllier after the Frenchman tried to bring him to Merseyside before his value soared.
"Two years ago, I was very close to signing for Liverpool before joining Lyon," he revealed.
"But, at that time, I didn't have enough international matches to go [to earn a work permit].
"At first, I was very disappointed.
"This summer, Real Madrid wanted me. But, when the Madrid officials approached my agent, the club had to free a non-European place to hire me.
"Manchester and Arsenal also asked for information. But, as soon as Chelsea threw their hat into the ring, I think no club could compete with them on a financial level, considering what Mr [Jean-Michel] Aulas asked for.
"Chelsea are a very exciting club and I am eager to be there.
"Gerard Houllier was a real gentleman. He wanted to keep me as he already did everything to get me two years ago at Liverpool.
"But he understood that I dream to play in England. He knows what that country represents to me."