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Anthopoulos: Blue Jays weren't 'right fit for me going forward'

Chris So / Toronto Star / Getty

Alex Anthopoulos declined to get into specifics about his departure from the Toronto Blue Jays, but he did touch on his side of the story Thursday afternoon.

"This decision is solely mine," the former general manager said in a conference call. "(Incoming team president and CEO) Mark (Shapiro) gave me every opportunity to return."

The Blue Jays say Anthopoulos turned down a five-year contract extension. His contract was due to expire Monday, the same day Shapiro will join the club.

Related: Anthopoulos turned down 5-year offer

"I just didn't feel like this was a right fit for me going forward," Anthopoulos said Thursday.

The former executive wouldn't confirm whether control over baseball decisions was a factor in his departure, saying he's always respected the chain of command in the organization.

Anthopoulos was named Blue Jays GM when J.P. Ricciardi was fired in October 2009.

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