Stefanovic said: “Everyone knows I wanted to stay but I haven’t been shown respect. I’ve never had a problem with Harry Redknapp. We’ve always had a great relationship. He didn’t want to sell me and I’m sure I would have played regularly this season.
“It’s not about money. I’ve left for a different reason. I only wanted one extra year. It was a deal that would have been very acceptable to Portsmouth. It was less money. But I have a lot of respect for myself. As soon as I knew I was not wanted and contract talks stopped I stepped down as captain.
“I found out before the Leeds game Peter Storrie had accepted an offer from Fulham. If you want somebody you do not accept an offer from another club. It was clear I had to go.
“I had a meeting with Harry and said: ‘That’s it’. He wanted me to stay still. He tried everything to keep me but it wasn’t the same from the board.
“If I say something I mean it. I’m that kind of person, so I spoke to Lawrie Sanchez and he showed he wanted me. That’s the scenario. I think what has happened to me is disrespectful. It’s about a lack of respect for me.
“It’s not about money, I just want to play games.”
