The Spaniard announced this week that he will leave the Cherries after three years in charge, having transformed the club into an established Premier League side and pushed them into the race for European qualification.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Newcastle, Iraola made clear there was no outside influence behind his call.
“The decision was not about any other club, there was no other club involved - it was about either continuing here or not continuing here,” he said.
“I don’t know what I want to do next season. I don’t know if I am going to coach a team, a club. I don’t know if I am going to coach an international team. I don’t know if I am going to coach in this continent. I have no idea what is going to happen.”
Iraola admitted the choice had weighed heavily on him throughout the campaign, with his future discussed openly with Bournemouth’s hierarchy for months.
“It has been a decision that has taken me a lot of time to take, it has not been a clear decision,” he said.
“There is not always one main reason. Probably I don’t want to risk the feeling I have right now of satisfaction of these three seasons.”
The 43-year-old suggested timing was crucial, believing it was better to leave too early than too late.
“I prefer to make the mistake of thinking maybe I could have stayed one year more rather than thinking I have stayed one year too much,” he explained.
Despite stepping away, Iraola was full of praise for Bournemouth’s current position, describing the club as a place where he has been genuinely happy.
“The club is in a great place,” he said.
“I have things in this club that I will not find anywhere else. I come every day to work here with a smile and this is very valuable for me.”
With six matches remaining, Iraola says his only focus is finishing strongly.
“These next six games are massive for us,” he added.
“There is going to be time to think later if we are going to have to think on something else.”