Money was not a factor in QPR move, insists Loïc Rémy, it was playing for Harry Redknapp

He's on a reported £80,000 a week at the bottom club in the Premier League, but Loïc Rémy has denied his move to Queen's Park Rangers is all about money.

Rémy looked all set for a move to Newcastle – in fact, Alan Pardew, the manager at St James' Park, admitted he was "surprised and disappointed" that the Frenchman turned them down – but the influence of Harry Redknapp convinced the striker to head to London. And he is looking forward to what he said is a "big challenge" to keep QPR in the Premier League.

"The finance doesn't come into it at all because Newcastle offered me a very good contract as well," Rémy said.

"I've seen that a lot of people are surprised I came to QPR and say that I came here for money, but my decision was no way based on financial reasons. I could have stayed at Marseilles because I had a good contract there. There are a number of reasons for why I had to leave Marseilles for here. QPR were very open, they wanted me and it's great to be here.

"It's true that I hesitated between Newcastle and QPR. I went to meet the staff at Newcastle and there came a time to make a decision and I made that decision based on two factors.

"Firstly, I already knew the coach Harry Redknapp and, secondly, I'm very excited by the project QPR have here for the future.

"It's a big challenge and the team are in a difficult situation, but since Harry Redknapp has been here things have changed a great deal."

Rémy, who will make his debut at West Ham today, is trying to convince his former teammate at Marseilles, Yann M'Vila, to join him at Loftus Road.

"I know Yann very well. He's a very good player. He has a great pass and good vision. I'd like him to come here because the project is very exciting," he said. "I spoke to some of my teammates today in training and we all want him here.

"It's quite different to France. I think he would be very happy here."