Asamoah Gyan has dismissed claims that he left Sunderland before the season for financial reasons, but does admit that money played a part in his departure to Al Ain.
The 25-year-old striker made the switch to the United Arab Emirates club on a loan deal a week after the summer transfer window closed.
"In life you need two things," The Mirror quotes Gyan as saying. "You need to be happy and you need to look after yourself money-wise.
"Whoever said I went for money needs to think twice. I made a decision with my family and the most important thing was for me to be happy and to be with my family.
"It wasn't a difficult decision. I had to decide with my family. My family is more important to me."
While the sudden exit came as a shock, the Ghana international insists that there is no ill feeling between himself and the Black Cats.
"I made the decision and it was Sunderland who agreed on the deal," he added. "I couldn't have gone unless they agreed. There was no problem.
"Steve Bruce is like my father. He brought me to Sunderland for a record fee of £13m. But that's life. I'm doing my job and he's doing his job.
"There was no confrontation with Steve. He is still my father. He gave me confidence. I'm always ready to work with him again."
Despite the arrangement only being a loan deal, Gyan has hinted that he may not return to the Stadium of Light.
"I don't know whether I will work with Steve again," he continued. "It's a loan deal. I'm enjoying my football now and then we'll see what happens at the end of the season. There are options in the contract."
Meanwhile, Sunderland will resume Premier League action after the international break with a match against Fulham on November 19.
Danielle Joynson
