Kieran Trippier hits back at claims he joined Newcastle United for a ‘big bag of money’

Kieran Trippier has hit back at suggestions that he joined Newcastle United for money.

The 31-year-old became the first signing under the new Saudi-led ownership after completing his £12million move from Atletico Madrid.

It has been rumoured that Trippier - who won La Liga last season and has previously played in Champions League and Euro finals - is now the club’s highest earner.

Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan insists Trippier has only joined Newcastle for “a big bag of money” - but the England full-back rubbished those claims, citing his family and the exciting project on Tyneside as the overriding factors.

‘Everyone is entitled to their own opinion’

Trippier said: “The players I’ve played with, the managers that have managed me before, know what type of character I am,

“I’m the type of the player that loves to fight for the shirt, I love a challenge - everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

“The most important thing for me is my family. It was important for them to come to England at some point, especially the north.

“I know why I came here, I came here to help the team, the project and everything about it.

“So, if people say it’s about money then everyone is entitled to their own opinion but for me, I know the reasons (why I joined) and that’s not one of them.”

Trippier could make his Magpies debut when Cambridge United visit St James’ Park in the third round of the FA Cup this afternoon.