The Argentine international left Carrow Road in the summer of 2021 for a club record initial £33million to join the Premier League outfit.
It came after a spellbinding Championship campaign that saw Buendia score 15 and assist 16 as Daniel Farke's side romped to the title. He was subsequently crowned as player of the season.
Those performances attracted plenty of interest, with both Aston Villa and Arsenal chasing his signature. Norwich were keen to sanction a deal at the time to help fund their own transfer business ahead of that Premier League campaign.
Speaking about Buendia's exit in 2021, then sporting director Stuart Webber said in the months that followed: “When someone tells you very clearly he will not be playing for the club again... see you later then mate, we don’t need you, thank you very much. No one is bigger than the football club.”
That is a claim that the 28-year-old disputes and believes his exit was a beneficial deal for all parties, as he spoke on the TalkNorwichCity podcast.
"The last month of that season, obviously, I was doing well and I was thinking, and also the club were thinking about any possible sale of myself. We were in conversation also with my agents and with the clubs, also with Daniel Farke.
"We were talking about and even with him, he understands the possibility to leave because I remember what he said to me is normal in football. You want to improve. And also in my case, I would say I'm a guy who likes a challenge, and I like to have new objectives in my life and in my career.
Emi Buendia departed Norwich City to join Aston Villa in 2021.Emi Buendia departed Norwich City to join Aston Villa in 2021. (Image: Daniel Hambury/Focus Images Ltd) "I was thinking it was probably the best moment for me to leave. Also, I wasn't leaving for less money. I was leaving for a big amount of money.
"I was also to help for the club. At that time, it was the best option for me. I think everyone was happy. But in my case, what I didn't like at that time was him (Stuart Webber) saying I refused to play for the club.
"If I refuse, if in one moment I have to think, 'I don't want to play because I want to leave', it will be the season before because I wanted to stay in the Premier League. I didn't want to play the championship again. So at that time, I could say no.
"If that season I had to stay for sure in Norwich because no one wants to sign me, I was playing in Norwich. But it wasn't the case. The club had a big offer from Aston Villa and I was really convinced of the project they told me. So I think it was a good deal for everyone."
Buendia has remained a popular figure with City supporters, and he has continued to follow the club despite his career continuing elsewhere, including most recently on loan at Bayer Leverkusen.
Another City player in Borja Sainz is seeking to follow in Buendia's footsteps this summer by advancing his career elsewhere, and the Argentine is a fan of the winger.
"We have been talking a few times. Since I left the club, I was following every season. I keep in touch with guys. Borja, this season and last, he was doing incredibly well. He scored many goals and many good goals.
Borja Sainz gets Emi Buendia's seal of approval.Borja Sainz gets Emi Buendia's seal of approval. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) "Before him, Gabby Sara I loved. He's a really good player. I was really surprised with him as well because he was, I think, also adapted quite well to English football. He was also a really nice player to watch.
"Obviously, I always try to follow every game. I always have the notifications on in my phone. It will be like this for life."
The attacking midfielder also refused to close the door on a romantic City return one day, even if his immediate future is expected to be in the Premier League next season.
"Of course, this is a place I would love to go because I feel at home. Obviously, we left there with so many very good friends," he said.
"We have a really lovely family and friends there. So, we're visiting at least, I think, once a year. I remember going on the highway close to where I was living at that time.
"It brings the memory back. So, it's a place I can call my home and I felt really good."
- The whole Emi Buendia podcast with Talk Norwich City is available to watch in full below