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Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca says winger Noni Madueke asked to leave Stamford Bridge following an approach from rivals Arsenal.
Madueke cut his FIFA Club World Cup journey short with Chelsea, who face PSG in the final on Sunday night.
His transfer to The Gunners is all but concluded after a club-to-club agreement was finalised.
Speaking at a press conference in New York, the Chelsea manager explained why the decision was never in his hands.
"At the end of the day, if players want to leave, it's difficult for the club and the manager to convince them to stay.
"Noni's desire was to leave the football club," said Maresca.
Meanwhile, the Club World Cup final is scheduled for 3 pm local time in the USA, raising concerns over the extreme heat.
But Maresca believes Chelsea have what it takes against “favourites” PSG.
"We arrived in the USA one month ago, so we've grown used to playing in these conditions. It is the same for both teams.
"I agree with people when they that PSG is the best team in Europe, and the world. We have maximum respect for them, but at the same time, we will try our best to win this final," said a wary Maresca.
Maresca was also complimentary of his counterpart Luis Enrique, who recently guided the French side to the European title.
"It will be difficult, but all of the games we have played up until now have been difficult. You have to prepare the finest of details for complicated matches like this one.
"Enrique is a reference for me and for everyone who loves football, but I think our style will match up well against them."
