Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has told Belgian media he wanted to leave in the summer.
Lukaku, 23, broke Everton's single-season Premier League scoring record with 18 goals last season.
He was reported to have been keen to move back to Chelsea, the club that sold him to Everton for £28 million in 2014.
The Toffees, however, were adamant that he would not be leaving Goodison Park.
"Let's just say it was clear very quickly that I had to stay," Lukaku said. "I could count on the interest of some clubs, but it wasn't clear.
"Everton cut short every rumour or talks, and declared I was staying."
Lukaku signed a five-year contract when he arrived on Merseyside, but Everton are reportedly set to offer him a lucrative extension.
But the striker suggested that their failure to qualify for European football -- they finished 11th last season, one place behind Chelsea -- could push him to leave.
"Ask Mino [Raiola, his agent]. I have given him certain instructions," he said when asked whether he would extend his deal. "I have to do what is best for me.
"Football isn't a question of money -- above all, I want to win trophies. I could have left, but my team didn't want me to.
"OK, that's the way it is. I don't want to stay at home, get fined and earn myself a bad reputation. I am calm and respectful. I want to leave in the right way."