Express & Star

Jamie O'Hara: I'm not motivated by money, I never said I don't want to play for Wolves

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Wolves outcast Jamie O'Hara today broke his silence to insist he hasn't asked to be paid up and he claimed he isn't motivated by money.

Chief executive Jez Moxey told the Express & Star yesterday that O'Hara – along with the eight senior players returning from loans – is likely to be moved on this summer.

But Moxey also suggested there won't be an easy route out for O'Hara and the £5m former Tottenham midfielder won't have the remaining two years on his contract settled up.

O'Hara is the only played in the 'unwanted' category who is yet to find a club after a trial at Blackpool in January to turn into a move.

The 27-year-old, who earns an estimated £20,000-a-week, underwent an intensive fitness regime in Los Angeles last month at his own expense after being accused of a lack of mobility by head coach Kenny Jackett.

Speaking on social media stream Instagram O'Hara said: "In light of the recent comments made in the press I feel I have to say something because I've never asked to be paid up.

"I'm not motivated by money, I'm motivated by trying to achieve things in my career.

"I took a 30 per cent wage cut from the Premier League and sacrificed all my appearance money this season in a bid to be involved.

"I've given 100 per cent every time I've been on the field even when I wasn't fit, so I'm disappointed to have to defend my attitude and commitment."

Apart from two brief substitute's appearances, O'Hara has spent this season largely in exile, playing 10 Under-21s games along the way, scoring three goals.

Wolves' Jamie O'Hara returned to the bench for the first-team against Bradford earlier this season

But he claims his attitude and commitment can't be faulted.

"I've never once said I don't want to play for Wolves and have played in almost every Under-21 game available," he said.

"I've not complained about being frozen out and my hunger for training is bigger now than ever.

"I've kept myself fit and I'm tired of people questioning my fitness and motivation, I begged Jez (Moxey) to let me play and I took it on the chin when they said 'no'.

"I never asked for a five-year contract but I made a commitment to Wolves, I moved my whole family away from London and bought a house here and put my kids in school.

"I congratulated everyone on winning promotion and I'm glad to see the club back on track."

See also:

  • Wolves outcasts are warned: Go or sit in the stands