Former Bayern Munich midfielder Ze Roberto has claimed he turned down more lucrative offers to join Hamburg.

The 34-year-old has been agreed a two-year contract with German side and is set to link up with his new team-mates for pre-season on Monday, when he will undergo his medical.

The Brazilian insisted he could have earned more by moving to England, with Manchester City among those linked to the player, but did not relish life in the Barclays Premier League.

"Money is not the most important thing. I don't have any desire to live in England," he said. "Hamburg is perfect for me and my family.

"HSV is a big club with a good structure and they are playing in Europe. Also, my children don't have to learn a new culture."

Ze Roberto also revealed that he has a future off-field role already in place with the Bundesliga side.

"They have offered me two years plus the option for a third," he told Munich's Tz newspaper.

"Subsequently, I will be employed as a scout for South America for Hamburg, acting like Giovane Elber does for Bayern.".