Lachie Henderson has spoken exclusively to aflplayers.com.au about his decision to seek a fresh AFL start away from Carlton.

Henderson and Carlton agreed to part ways immediately on Tuesday after the 25-year-old informed the club he would not extend his contract beyond this season.

The 25-year-old told his teammates of his decision and won’t play out the remaining three rounds of the season.

“I did really struggle trying to tell the boys I was leaving this morning… It was tough and it was a big shock but it was my decision and I have to live with it” – lachie henderson

He conceded the uncertainty around his footy future had impacted his on-field performance throughout a difficult 2015 campaign for the Blues.

“It was definitely not a decision I made overnight,” Henderson said.

“Like any big decision you make in your life, you think about it for a long time.

“It’s been rolling around in my head for a long time and it’s been a really tough decision to make.

“I spent six good years at Carlton. I have really enjoyed those years. But for my own happiness and success … I made that choice to leave.

“I did really struggle trying to tell the boys I was leaving this morning.

“It was literally pack the bags and walk out the door after that meeting.

“It was tough and it was a big shock but it was my decision and I have to live with it.”

Henderson said his preference was to play out the season with Carlton but understood the club’s stance.

“I am definitely disappointed (not to be playing out the season). I would have liked to have played it out with the boys.

“My form probably wasn’t good enough and I respect the decision of the club. I see where they’re coming from.

“It’s all about moving forward for the footy club and moving in a positive direction – and for me, not to be there next year, there is no real point in me hanging around.

“I don’t know what I will do with myself. I will just wait and watch the boys play and hopefully they go really well and finish off the season really well.

Henderson has been linked with a move to Geelong but said he had no idea where he would play in 2016 and beyond.

“There’s all this speculation out there and the speculation is going to keep coming after this announcement this morning.

“I definitely don’t know where I am going next year or where I am playing. We’ll just let that happen over the next couple of months.”