Nikola Kalinic says he is not worth the €50million transfer fee Tianjin Quanjian were reportedly prepared to pay for his services in January.
The Fiorentina striker was one of many players linked with a move to the Chinese Super League following a rich vein of form in Serie A that has brought 10 goals this season.
Tianjin Quanjian – coached by Fabio Cannavaro – were linked with a swoop for the 29-year-old and are believed to have met the release clause in his contract at Stadio Artemio Franchi.
However, the Croatian turned down their advances and is not convinced he is worth the money reportedly offered for him.
"It would have been a done deal if I had said yes, even if I'm not sure what the club would have said," he told the Corriere della Sera.
"Fabio Cannavaro called me, but for me the issue closed and has never been re-opened.
"I am really not worth the €50m release clause and I doubt anyone will spend that for me."
While many have swapped European football for the CSL on substantial wages, Kalinic insists money is not his main driver in his career.
"I want to point out I didn't know precisely how much the offer was but money isn’t everything in life," he added.
"I only just arrived in the football that really matters a year and a half ago and I didn't want to leave now.
"I think I still have a lot to give in European football."
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