35-year-old Johnson has distanced himself from the Lions following his abrupt retirement in 2016 ... a relationship that still hasn't been mended, despite his Hall of Fame announcement in 2021.

Megatron spoke about how things got so sour in an interview with Woodward Sports this week ... saying he begged the team to let him start fresh with a different franchise before retiring -- and they refused.

"We asked would they release me or let me go to another team ... they wouldn't," Johnson said ... adding he was willing to play literally "anywhere."

So, when the Lions granted Stafford's trade request after 12 seasons, Johnson hints he's a bit jealous he didn't get the same treatment.

"You know what, it sucked that they didn’t let me go, but they let Matthew go, but hey, you know, it is what it is," Johnson said.

"I’m not mad at Matthew. I love Matthew."

In fact, Johnson says he talked to Stafford this week ... and claims the QB is loving his new home on the west coast.

As for his relationship with the Lions, Johnson is open to making peace with the organization ... if they ever want to extend that olive branch.

"I’m not back in the family with the Lions or anything like that," Johnson added. "It would be nice to if they try to resolve things, but that’s neither here nor there."

Johnson is one of the best to ever suit up for the Lions -- he was a 3-time All-Pro and a 6-time Pro Bowler. He also set the record for most receiving yards in a season (1,964), had 8-straight 100-yard games, caught 83 career touchdowns and posted 11,619 total yards.

No matter what his relationship is with the team, Johnson says he'll always be there for the players.