Last week Harmison kept silent over his omission from England's touring party to South Africa while his agent, Neil Fairbrother, gave a clear indication over his client's anger at missing out on selection for the four-Test series next month.
It followed reports that Harmison was looking into a short-term contract with South African franchise Nashua Dolphins on the premise that he would be England's first pick bowler in the four-Test series.
But despite emerging from the international wilderness to play a part in England's Ashes series win against Australia earlier this year, Harmison has paid the price for his inconsistent form over recent seasons.
Not since Harmison took 10 wickets in a Test against Pakistan - the last Englishman to do so - has he looked anywhere near replicating his menacing best.
Harmison told the Mirror: "I am less angry about being left out of the squad than I am about the reasons for it. There was no ultimatum from me - nobody has a divine right to play for England and I have never demanded a guaranteed place.
"I'm not going to retire from Test cricket in case some people think it's a knee-jerk reaction to being dropped and I'm throwing my toys out of the pram. That would only give them ammunition to sling more mud at me.
"More than anything I'm confused because I had several chats with the coach, Andy Flower, while the one-day side was in South Africa at the Champions Trophy and our discussions were positive.
"He asked me how I would react if I was left out of the side for the opening couple of Tests and I told him I was prepared to fight for my place like anybody else.
"After all, I have not been in the England side at the start of the last two seasons but I've managed to force my way back in, so I'm no stranger to that."
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