San Diego gave linebacker Junior Seau's agent permission to talk with other clubs, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Friday.

As a result, Seau said Thursday that he played his last game in a Chargers uniform, and that if a deal with other NFL clubs doesn't turn up, he expects to be released.

\"It's definitely good and bad,\" Seau told the Union-Tribune after speaking with coach Marty Schottenheimer. \"It's time for us to part ways. There will be some disgruntled people and disgruntled fans, but it was time. I have so many great memories from my time in San Diego, but I look forward to the challenge ahead. I have no regrets about what was done. I wish everyone the best.\"

While there was no clear reason why the Chargers are allowing Seau to negotiate with other teams, Schottenheimer said it was an organizational move, and one that was difficult to deliver.

\"Look, this is not easy for me,\" Schottenheimer told the newspaper. \"Junior Seau embodies everything you want in a player - work ethic, dedication, passion. But we felt this was something we needed to do, and we wanted to do it right. That's why we extended the courtesy to Junior and his representative to try to see if there's a trade that can be reached.\"

And while Schottenheimer didn't rule out Seau's return to San Diego, the linebacker told the newspaper that there was no chance because he does not want to play for a team that \"ostensibly said\" it no longer wants him around.

Seau said that he has already talked with two teams. But teams might be hesitant about making a deal now. If clubs wait until the Chargers release Seau, they could acquire him without compensation.