Fenerbahce president Ali Koc admits they tried to take Arda Guler back on-loan after selling him to Real Madrid last week.
Guler left Fener for Madrid in 20m.
Koc now says that Gler had the opportunity to stay on loan, but turned it down.
"Arda Gler has decided to leave. We found a way for him to stay for another year, but he has decided that he wants to leave and we have to respect that," he said.
"Millions of fans have embraced Arda and we know the interest he arouses wherever we go, we have to tell the process to many people, they deserve to know. The process has not been completed. Once the process is complete, I have an obligation to explain all developments in detail. Arda is the pride of Turkish football."