Bhatti discusses his departure from Glasgow Warriors, his move to Bath and his career in greater detail in a wide-ranging interview with The Herald.
The Scotland prop, who spent eight seasons over two spells at Scotstoun before returning to Bath this summer, said he was left "shocked" after being told the club would not activate the one-year extension clause in his deal.
"It wasn't my decision to leave," said Bhatti. "I had a plus-one option in my contract and I'd already decided that if I got it, I'd do one more season and then retire.
"It was a massive shock. I was told it wasn't a Glasgow decision, it was an SRU decision because I wasn't in the Scotland picture any more. That didn't really make sense to me, but that was it. I knew my plans had changed and I was straight on to the market."
Bhatti admitted the decision was difficult to accept given his long association with the club and the sacrifices he felt he had made during his time as a Warrior, including helping the team on its way to the 2024 BKT United Rugby Championship title despite a family bereavement.
The 32-year-old said he still understands the realities of professional rugby, even if the manner of his departure was painful.
"I know rugby's a business and clubs have to make tough decisions," he said. "I understand that. But when people say, 'We look after our players', then something like that happens, it's difficult not to feel like none of what you've done really matters. As soon as it comes down to the numbers, it's just, 'Right, see you later'."
Despite his disappointment, Bhatti stressed his affection for Glasgow Warriors remains unchanged as he embarks on the next chapter of his career with Bath.