Peter Odemwingie says he was given the go-ahead by West Brom to travel to QPR on deadline day to discuss a move with the London club.
West Brom have accused the 31-year-old striker of acting in a "wholly unprofessional" manner by driving to talk terms with Rangers despite no deal having being agreed between the clubs.
But the Nigerian international claims that he had an understanding with Baggies technical director Dan Ashworth that he could drive to London with a view to the clubs reaching an agreement.
"They didn't give me written permission but when you are gentlemen you understand each other easily," said Odemwingie.
"I had to be in training that morning but when that was done I asked if I could go as I had to pack and start driving. I got the go-ahead from him (Ashworth) as far as I understand so I went round and said goodbye to everyone and thank you. In my opinion everything was done right. He can deny it because he has to look good in this situation.
"I knew that it took two hours to drive to London and I had to be there because we were 90% there and then the deal didn't happen. My only regret is that I didn't have the paper in my hand before I went to London."
Odemwingie, who has 18 months left on his West Brom contract, confirmed that he still wishes to leave the club for personal reasons.
"I believe if West Brom brought me back here it is because they believe there is a way I can be back on the pitch and giving my best to the team," he said.
"I will always love the club but I will still leave, it is just a matter of time. I understand the need to honour your contract but the club have known the reasons I want to leave for some time now. They feel I can overcome that, but they don't know my heart.
"My contract runs out in a year and a half. I wasn't offered an extension here. My career ends one day and so will my contract here at West Brom."
West Brom later confirmed that Odemwingie would not be involved in Sunday's home game with Tottenham.
A club statement read: "Albion confirm that Peter Odemwingie reported for training this morning.
"The player met with board members Dan Ashworth and Richard Garlick and head coach Steve Clarke for preliminary discussions which proved constructive.
"After the events of the past week, the club decided it is in the best interests of all parties that Peter is not involved in Sunday's game and he has been given permission to return home."
QPR manager Harry Redknapp hopes Odemwingie is allowed to get on with his West Brom career.
Redknapp did manage to bring in Christopher Samba, Jermaine Jenas and Andros Townsend yesterday, but it was the one that got away that is still on his mind.
"This deal had been dragging on for about three weeks," Redknapp said. "Peter Odemwingie was a player we had been trying to sign for several weeks.
"He felt a deal was done but it wasn't done between the two clubs. There were obviously one or two sticking points.
"He travelled down and just wanted to be on the premises to get the deal done. Unfortunately, he pulled up outside the ground and the cameras were there.
"He wasn't the only player that turned up and didn't get a deal done. There were other players at football grounds yesterday and the deals didn't go through at the last minute, for whatever reasons.
"I just hope the boy is going to be okay because he is a good person and it was a mistake that has been made. Hopefully he can move on from that."
That looks unlikely at The Hawthorns after Albion chairman Jeremy Peace accused Odemwingie of acting "wholly unprofessionally".
The player is not being considered for Sunday's home match against Tottenham but Redknapp said: "Let's hope people give him an opportunity now just to move on and get on with his life," Redknapp added.
"Show me someone that hasn't made a mistake in their life and I will show you a liar.
"Everybody makes mistakes - much bigger mistakes than he's made. There are people playing football that have made massive mistakes in their lives and they're back playing football.
"The kid has made a mistake. Let's forget that now and move on and give the boy a chance. He is a good player and a good person."
