Routledge is having another super season at Swansea City, bringing back memories of his time at St James' Park.
Chris Hughton once suggested the Premiership was "too much for him, and that is probably why he has moved on so often".
Routledge has insisted he is not motivated by money and has only made so many transfers because he has been searching for regular football.
Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan questioned Routledge's motives when he left for Tottenham Hotspur in 2005, although the player says the pair have since exchanged more positive words.
Routledge struggled to make the breakthrough at Spurs and has spent time with a number of different clubs over the past few years, but he is flourishing at Swansea under Michael Laudrup and is thrilled to be playing so regularly.
"I'm probably the happiest I've been and playing the best in my career," the 28-year-old told the Daily Mail.
"But I've learned to keep a level head. In football, a low point can be just around the corner. It has been a long road to get here."
Routledge added: "If I was just doing it for the money, why would I change clubs so much? I moved to play football."
"I have moved all around the country because I love playing, getting games. I have seen Simon Jordan since and he said I am doing well now which is a nice compliment after what he said."
"I don't think anyone who knows me would question how much I love the game or say I have moved for the money."