Graeme Souness admits one of the motivating behind leaving Liverpool for Italy was money.
The former Liverpool captain cited money and achievements as his motivation for his shock move to Sampdoria after lifting the treble with Liverpool in 1984.
Speaking to TRT World, the former Liverpool captain said: "It wasn't a case of me thinking I can achieve everything in life, in football terms at Liverpool. I was 31. The peak of my career, captain of Scotland, and captain of Liverpool.
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"At that time, all the best players in the World were going to Italy. You know Maradona was there, Zico was there, Platini was there.
"All the very best players in the world. I could've multiplied my salary many, many times over. As well as the challenge of playing against the best players in the world."
Souness joined Sampdoria at the same time as ex-England international Trevor Francis. The British pair were accompanied by a young Sampdoria side including, Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli.
"I embraced the Italian lifestyle, and I actually found the football a bit easier than in England," he said. "The Italian game at that time, they dropped off to the edge of the box and defended their box. Whereas, the game in England and most of the world was still on the halfway line. You could turn and get a pass off your defenders, be allowed to turn without any real pressure and make passes. So I actually found it easier there."
Souness enjoyed a successful period at the Genoa-based side, winning the Coppa Italia in 1985, defeating AC Milan in the final. This was the first time the club had secured the trophy in their history. The Scot featured 78 times for the Italians before departing for Glasgow Rangers in 1986.
