Kevin Lisbie snubbed the chance to become the highest-paid player in Colchester's history in favour of a move to Ipswich.
The 29-year-old striker joined the Tractor Boys for £600,000 after one season at Layer Road, but has admitted he left the U's with a heavy heart.
"The offer of a new contract made my decision a little bit harder," Lisbie told the Colchester Gazette.
"Colchester gave me the opportunity to stay and it's good to know how much they wanted me, because apparently I would have been the highest-paid player ever had I stayed. That's a nice feeling."
