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Roberto Martinez claims he was offered the Liverpool manager's job prior to Brendan Rodgers.
The Wigan boss has broken his silence on this summer's events, which saw him meet with John Henry, the Reds' principal owner, in Miami in the search for Kenny Dalglish's successor.
Latics chairman Dave Whelan alleged that the Americans had offered Martinez the job - something which Liverpool have vehemently denied following Rodgers' appointment in June.
But Martinez, who was also overlooked for the vacant position at Aston Villa now occupied by Paul Lambert, insists it was actually he who rejected the offer to take the reins at Anfield.
He said: "I take satisfaction first of all from seeing my team win, but also from seeing the young kids soak up my philosophy, knowing that my club is in a healthy financial state and can progress across all areas every season.
"This is vital. This is what a football club is: a philosophy. We must educate people. In five or six years, we reap the benefits. Maybe I won't be there then. But this is not why I stayed, when Liverpool made me an offer.
"I stayed at the club because my chairman is unique. This summer, we sat down together. He had thought about the future of the club, I had done the same.
"He knew that I had spoken with other clubs. But he is so persuasive... I extended my contract for three years. He wants to take the club to the next level. I know it will be difficult, but it excites me a lot."
Martinez's decision to reignite the debate comes less than 72 hours after Liverpool's start to the new Premier League season began with a far from ideal start against West Brom.
Rodgers faces further challenges after the 3-0 defeat at the Hawthorns threatens with Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United all visiting Anfield in the coming weeks.
Matters have been worsened by the dismissal of Daniel Agger, which will sideline him for next weekend's visit of champions City after Liverpool refused to appeal his straight red card.
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