FORMER Carlton utility Lachie Henderson says a desire for "happiness and a bit of success" was behind his reason to leave the Blues.

Henderson was told to pack his bags and depart Carlton after telling the Blues hierarchy he was seeking a trade at the end of the season and he will spend the remaining three weeks on the sidelines.

"It was literally pack the bags and walk out the door after that meeting," Henderson told aflplayers.com.au.

Henderson said he did not know where he would be playing in 2016 despite his name being attached to Geelong for much of the season.

"I definitely don't know where I am going next year or where I am playing so we will just let that happen over the next couple of months," he said.

Henderson joined the Blues in 2010 as part of the deal that saw Brendan Fevola join the Brisbane Lions.

Henderson played 102 games for the Blues after managing 15 games for the Lions in his first two seasons.

He finished third in the club best and fairest in 2013 and played in five finals with the Blues. However he has played in just 50 wins in his 117 games.

Henderson conceded his recent form had been poor and said he understood Carlton's decision to show him the door immediately.

"I would have liked to play it out with the boys but my form probably wasn't good enough to. I respect the decision of the club to do it. I see where they are coming from with it," Henderson said.

"It is all about moving forward for the club and moving in a positive direction and for me not to be there next year there is no real point me hanging around and that is the decision that was made so I respect that decision."

Henderson said all clubs and players would handle each situation differently and although he was a bit shocked for things to end so abruptly he was comfortable with what transpired.

"It was a big shock but it was my decision so I've got to live with it," Henderson said.

"It is not an easy decision to make at all. It's a really tough decision to make. It's been six good years at Carlton."