Habib Beye admits he may have to leave Aston Villa at the end of the season but says French clubs are unlikely to pay him enough.
The former Newcastle United full back has made just 10 appearances for the club in all competitions since his summer arrival and will be looking to move on if his name does not move up Martin O'Neill's pecking order.
"Things are not going too well for me at Villa," said Beye in the Daily Star. "I have only played in 10 games in all competitions. "
This is the first time in 12 years I've had a season like this and it is not easy for me to put up with.
"I am 32, I feel in good physical shape and I don't see myself sitting on the bench. "
If I can't express myself as a footballer with Aston Villa, it will be elsewhere.
"It is the manager's choice. You have to respect his decisions even if you don't accept them as he is the sole captain of the ship."
Beye was targeted by Sunderland during the January transfer window but a move never came off and he would prefer to stay in the Premier League rather than return to French football.
The former Marseille defender added: "French clubs don't punch at the same weight as English ones when it comes to salaries. "
Returning to France would be complicated for me.
The wages in England are twice as high and I can't see a French club investing that much money in a player.
"I'd consider an interesting challenge in France, but the salary is the problem."