MADISON, Wis. -- Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy said Saturday they have no intention of granting quarterback Brett Favre's request for his release from contract.

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The two said the retired star is welcome to return to the Packers -- as a backup to Aaron Rogers.

Favre is unlikely to accept a backup role, Thompson and coach McCarthy acknowledged Saturday in their first public comments since Favre demanded his release.

A trade may be the best resolution, but Thompson and McCarthy declined to discuss that possibility. Thompson said he had not received any inquiries from other teams as of Saturday morning.

"We've communicated that to Brett, that we have since moved forward," Thompson said. "At the same time, we've never said that there couldn't be some role that he might play here. But I would understand his point that he would want to play."

When asked whether that role might be as a backup or coach, Thompson said: "not a coach."

Added McCarthy: "He did ask about that, though."

Favre on Friday formally asked in a letter for his release from the team so he can return to the NFL with another team.

The letter was sent by Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, via overnight mail on Thursday and arrived at the Packers facility Friday morning, according to ESPN.

"Quite frankly, it's a little gut-wrenching as an organization to go through it, and certainly for Mike and myself," Thompson said. "This stuff hurts a lot of people. I mean, it hurts. I'm not talking about physically hurting, but the sensitivity. We understand where the fans are coming from. This is a hot-button issue that surpasses anything I've ever gone through."

The 38-year-old Favre retired March 6 after a 17-year career.

ESPN reported that Favre wanted a mutual parting with the team rather than having to force the Packers' hand by writing a letter to request his reinstatement to the active 80-man roster. Under league policy, the team would have to comply or release him.

The team said it would do "what's right" in response to Favre's request.

In a statement, the Packers said: "Brett earned and exercised the right to retire on his terms. We wanted him to return and welcomed him back on more than one occasion."

"Brett's press conference and subsequent conversations in the following weeks illustrated his commitment to retirement," the team statement said. "The finality of his decision to retire was accepted by the organization. At that point, the Green Bay Packers made the commitment to move forward with our football team."

The statement continued, "As a retired player, Brett has the option to apply for reinstatement with Commissioner Goodell. If that were to occur, he would become an active member of the Green Bay Packers. As always, the Packers will do what's right and in the best interest of the team. As with all Packers greats, Brett's legacy will always be celebrated by our fans and the organization, regardless of any change in his personal intentions. Brett and Deanna will always be a part of the Packers family."

While Favre hasn't responded yet to the latest news, his brother Scott Favre spoke by phone on Friday, WISC-TV reported.

"You never say never but I don't know how anybody can get along after something like this. I'm sure you have to do what you have to do," said Scott Favre . "(Brett) has nothing against the fans of Green Bay. Favre has to do what's in his best interest and the Packers have to do what they have to do."

The Mississippi native left the NFL as the league's all-time record holder in several categories, including wins by a starting quarterback, passing yards, touchdowns and consecutive games started.

A three-time NFL MVP, seven-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Favre completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 61,655 yards and 442 TDs over 17 NFL seasons, the last 16 of which were played in Green Bay after the Packers acquired him from the Atlanta Falcons.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.