'recently left club'

[phantombandit]

I have been trying to get back my old striker who left my club a while ago. He refused to renew his contract because he wanted to explore his options (despite literally 0 interest from other clubs??????). It is 18 months later and he hasnt gotten a job since. He still, however, is saying that he 'recently left the club'. How long does this 'I would literally rather be unemployed than rejoin my old club' phase last? It seems pretty dang unrealistic. I get it lasting like 6 months or so to stop players from being able to exploit... something, but surely 18 months is long enough.... right???