The freed former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky has contested the Kremlin's claim that he was not forced into exile, saying it was clear the government had suggested he leave Russia.

Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told AFP news agency on Saturday that Khodorkovsky was "absolutely" free to return to Russia, days after the president unexpectedly announced a pardon for his long-time critic.

Al Jazeera's Emma Hayward reports from Berlin.