Newcastle United star Salomon Rondon had hoped to stay at the club.
But he felt that when the future of former boss Rafa Benitez was decided, it was his time to leave as well.
Benitez did not agree to a new contract with Newcastle, with Steve Bruce replacing him.
Rondon has since moved on to reunite with Benitez at Dalian Yifang in China.
The Venezuelan said to The Sun: "It was a beautiful year for me last season. I loved it because the supporters were behind me all the time.
"I enjoyed playing with the No 9 shirt, I scored goals and the atmosphere at St James' Park was amazing. Always, I will remember that season.
"Was I disappointed to leave? Yes, because I was waiting for something. I was waiting for Rafa.
"When I went to the Copa America, I thought Rafa would sign for Newcastle. But he didn't and when Rafa said he was going, my possibility to stay at Newcastle went down straight away.
"Rafa brought me to Newcastle and he fought with the owners to bring me there.
"So when Rafa said goodbye, I felt I would have to say goodbye as well. I understood in that moment I would not sign for Newcastle."
