And he says the lure of Spain was challenging for trophies rather than cash.
“Inter was the first option,” he added.
“Rafa wanted me for his new project, but my family and the challenge Barcelona provides made me choose Spain.
“Lionel Messi was also a big influence. He spoke with Pep Guardiola and told him Barcelona needed me.
“Liverpool will always be in my heart, but my time there has finished and now it is time for a new challenge.
“I have not left Liverpool to join Barcelona for money, just for sporting reasons. The Barca project is very exciting. They have been interested in me in the past and this second opportunity to join them was impossible to reject.
“I will forever be grateful to Liverpool for what they did for me, but I have done all I can for them on the pitch in return. The fans were always brilliant with me and now I must wait to see if they view my exit negatively.”
