Donovan enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Blues at the start of the year and had been linked with a return this month.
But speaking in the middle of December, he said: "While I enjoyed my time at Everton last season and still appreciate all the support their fans have given me, I feel that it is important to continue to rest and recover this off-season as opposed to going on loan."
The Los Angeles Galaxy forward now insists, though, that he hasn't closed the door permanently.
Speaking via podcast to Everton fans' website www.followtonians.com, the 28-year-old said: "I thought to myself a lot, 'If you say no, then what's going to happen next year? Are they going to let you back?'
"That was hard, because I don't want to close that door, I always want the opportunity (to go back). If I don't have the opportunity... I mean I'm an Evertonian for life now."
