The 30-year-old midfielder left Craven Cottage yesterday to join Hull in a £5million deal.

Hodgson claimed Fulham could not meet the terms Hull were prepared to offer, particularly over the length of contract.

Bullard has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at the KC Stadium worth a reported £45,000 a week.

The former Wigan player said: "I've heard a lot of talk about wages and demands and I can honestly say that I don't play football for money.

"I came up to Hull because of the ambitions and I want to play for a club that wants me, simple as that. I've never been interested in money.

"I wasn't asking for anything really. I was in contract talks but the talks only went as far as, 'We're not going to offer you any sort of contract', so talking about years of contracts just wasn't there.

"That's what I was told so it is a bit mind-boggling really.

"I went in and asked and they wouldn't give me a thought. It was a weird discussion. I was a bit upset that I never had the backing from the manager or the club."

Hull paraded Bullard, their record signing, to supporters prior to this afternoon's 2-0 win over Millwall in the FA Cup fourth round.

His move comes just a year after he returned to action following a 15-month lay-off with a serious knee injury.

The former Wigan player admitted he did not know whether he had repaid Fulham for their faith in him during that period or not.

He said: "Repay? No, but I always gave 100% and I hope that was enough.

"I loved my time there but I understand football and it came to that point."

Hull chairman Paul Duffen has assured supporters the club are not overstretching themselves by bringing in Bullard.

The fee doubles the club's previous transfer record of £2.5million, paid twice for Anthony Gardner and Kamil Zayatte.

Duffen said: "The fact we have now got, in my opinion, one of the best three midfielders in the country on board is appropriate and completely consistent with our ambitions.

"I have said consistently we are not going to jeopardise the financial future of Hull City Football Club at any level and we are not in this move."

Bullard is the fourth new arrival at Hull in the January transfer window after Kevin Kilbane and Manucho were signed last week.

He is likely to make his debut in Wednesday's Barclays Premier League clash at West Ham.