The skillful 32-year-old was not impressed with the deal the Seagulls had to offer so turned them down in the hope that they will come back with a new contract proposal.
"There were talks about two weeks ago between my agent and Steve Coppell. They made me an offer but there was no way I could accept it," said Rougier, speaking to thisismidsussex.co.uk.
"If I was a single man living alone I probably would be playing for them but I'm not, I have a family."
The Rouge spent the end of last season on loan at Brighton as he attempted to rescue the club from the jaws of relegation. Despite impressing and netting two goals in six games with the Withdean Stadium side, Rougier was unable to prevent the Seagulls from slipping back down to the Second Division.
Whilst Rougier would like to return to the Withdean, he will only do so if the deal is right. Wycombe Wanderers have also been linked with a swoop for the veteran.
"The season is still young. I have not signed for anyone yet. I am still having talks with people but I pray Brighton change their minds and I can play there again," added Rougier.
Meanwhile, the former Reading winger, who has enchanting dribbling skills, has tipped Darius Henderson to succeed at Brighton.
Twenty-one-year-old Henderson recently joined the Seagulls on an initial one month loan and scored from the penalty spot on his debut last weekend.
"Darius is an up and coming player, he is learning his trade and as long as he keeps an open mind to do that he should do very well at Brighton," suggested Rougier
"I believe he is working with one of the best managers in the League in Steve Coppell. If anyone can help his game Steve Coppell can."
Whilst there are no plans to make Henderson's loan deal permanent, the striker is out of contract at the end of the season so faces an uncertain future. But then his future is not as unclear as Rougier's. Just where he will end up continues to remain a mystery.