Favre: Hits out at Packers

I was told playing in Green Bay was not an option. Later, it was 'we can't imagine you playing anywhere else'. Where does that leave me?

Brett Favre
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Brett Favre has finally spoken out about his situation and confirmed that he does want to return to NFL action next year, but that is highly unlikely to be with the Green Bay Packers.

Favre has hit out at the Packers for the mixed messages they have been sending him - mainly by saying they would allow him back to the club but not as starting quarterback.

Saying the franchise has moved on and wants to throw their weight behind Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay have, however, also refused to release Favre from h is contract and on the surface a very unlikely trade now seems his best option of returning to action.

The quarterback legend retired on March 3 but, although he says t hat Green Bay were not exerting too much pressure on him to make a decision, he was not fully convinced himself.

"I am guilty of retiring early and there is a reason for that," Favre said in an interview with Fox News.

"And the major issue is 'Why did he retire?,' and 'He asked for a release because he doesn't want to play in Green Bay.' That's not true.

"And I hope people are hearing this and saying 'OK, that clears it up.'

"The bottom line, on March 3, when I got in front of the podium, 'Did I want to play? Yes. One hundred percent? No."

Release

Favre insists that he has not been seeking a move to play elsewhere, but with Packers general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy publicly stating that they would only welcome Favre back as a back-up he has no other choice.

As his relationship with the club he spent 16 years with continues to sour rapidly, Favre has been angered by reports leaking out that it is he himself who wants to play away from Lambeau Field.

The mixed messages emanating from the club have also not gone down too well with Favre, who does seems desperate to return but it will not be with the Packers - where he would be a returning legend forced to warm the bench.

"Them moving on does not bother me, it doesn't. I totally understand that," Favre continued.

"By me retiring March 3, I knew that could possibly happen. All I was saying is you know I'm thinking about playing again.

"I was told playing in Green Bay was not an option. Later, it was 'we can't imagine you playing anywhere else'. Where does that leave me?

"If you move on, you tell me one thing, don't come back and tell the public - just say it, 'You know, we've moved on and we'll work with Brett on whatever it is.' Don't make up a lot of stuff or give half of the truth."

Confusion

Favre recalled a conversation with Packers coach McCarthy last month when the confusion surrounding his situation first began - with Green Bay not wanting to start him next season but also not wanting him to play for anyone else.

"OK, you guys have a different path, fine," he added. "What does that mean for me? So that means either you give me my helmet, welcome back, or release me, or attempt to trade me. We all know that's a possibility, but way-out-there possibility.

"And he says, 'Well, playing here is not an option, but we can't envision you playing with another team, you know, either.' And I thought, so basically, I'm not playing for anyone if I choose to come back.

"You're telling me playing there is not an option, but playing elsewhere, we just can't - we're trying to protect your legacy.

"Well, thank you. I appreciate that. But apparently now, they're trying to protect my legacy by bringing me back and having me be a backup. Boy, that is really good."

Despite all the drama surrounding him, Favre says that he still has the determination to add another NFL season to his record - even if that would come in an unfamiliar uniform.

"The 'itch' has been used. That is the word that has been used if you want to say itch - or the fire is coming back - or whatever. If I'm going to play it's going to be 100 percent commitment."