Curtis Davies has revealed he rejected bigger cash offers to sign with Aston Villa last week.
Davies, who has rocketed in three years from playing for Luton in League One, insisted: "I don't like being branded a money-grabber.
"I have come here to play Premier League football, whether the money is more or not. My main objective is to do well in my football and I think if you do that the money will come with it.
"I think I have been unfairly branded. Other West Brom players like Diomansy Kamara and Jason Koumas went early on without even coming back for training, and others tried to leave and it hasn't worked out, but nobody knows and they are heroes now.
"I used to stack shelves in Sainsbury's part-time to earn money for my fares to travel to Luton for a trial, and as a result I appreciate every moment I get. I had to stack the pet-food aisles and it stank!
"Now I have to prove myself and get in this team before I get the rewards, and I'm willing to do that."