Stam: I left for medals

Holland defender Jaap Stam insists it was medals and not money that convinced him to leave Lazio for AC Milan.

The 31-year-old former Manchester United star rejected offers from Inter Milan and Juventus before penning a deal with the Italian champions for the next two seasons.

"Milan is one of the biggest clubs in Europe," said Stam. "Here I can win everything, that is why I chose them.

"I didn't say no to Juve because of money but I simply preferred Milan because they are stronger and because they give me more guarantees.

"I had the pleasure to play in the best Manchester United team of Sir Alex Ferguson's era. With that shirt I won the Champions League, the Intercontinental Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. It would be great to repeat this with the Rossoneri."

Stam has signed a contract until the summer of 2006.