Scott Brown will depart Celtic at the end of the season after fourteen years to join Aberdeen as a player-coach.
The Hoops captain has decided to join his former Hibs teammate Stephen Glass at Pittodrie, signing a pre-contract for a two-year deal.
In a statement to fans on the Celtic website, Brown said: “It was a privilege to sign for this great club all those years ago and it has been an absolute honour to play for and Captain Celtic for so many years.
“I would like to sincerely thank Peter, Dermot and the Celtic Board for their tremendous support over so many years. We have always enjoyed a great relationship and always worked closely together to bring our fans as much success as possible.
© SNS“I would also like to thank the great Celtic managers I have had the good fortune to work with and also so many team-mates and, of course, the Celtic fans who have given me such phenomenal support and backing over the years.
“I have always given my best to the club and always wanted the best for our fans. We have enjoyed some fantastic moments and success together, dominating the game in Scotland so regularly and enjoying some great European nights.
“It is a huge decision to leave this magnificent club, which has been such a massive part of my life for so long, but this is a new opportunity for me and a new chapter. Celtic will never leave me and the club will forever be in my heart.
“We still have work to do this season and that will of course, as ever be my full focus as we try to bring our fans more success.”
📝 Our history-making captain, Scott Brown will leave Paradise at the end of the season.
Thanks for the unprecedented success @ScottBrown8 🍀🏆
🟢⚪️ Captain. Leader. Legend. 🟢⚪️#ThankYouBroony 💚o/🤍
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 25, 2021
Speaking about his future role, Brown told the Aberdeen FC website: “There is no doubt I had a lot to deliberate when deciding my next steps, particularly after enjoying fourteen successful years at Celtic.
“However, the opportunity to join Aberdeen, a Club entering an exciting new period with my former team-mate Stephen now at the helm, was one I couldn’t pass up.
“Once this season concludes, I’m looking forward to joining Stephen, the playing and coaching staff and everyone at Aberdeen FC. I am totally committed to the challenge that lies ahead in meeting the ambitions of the Club and its fans.
“I still feel I have got a lot to give, not only on the pitch, but in a broader capacity as I embark on my coaching journey. I will be relentless in my quest for success for Aberdeen.”
🔴 Former Scotland captain Scott Brown signs pre-contract with Aberdeen in player-coach role.#StandFree
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) March 25, 2021
Glass said: “The opportunity to bring a player of Scott’s calibre, a leader who has more European appearances for Celtic than any other player, is a huge coup for me and for Aberdeen.
“His experience will be invaluable on the pitch and he is someone who will help set the standards we expect at this club. A born competitor, with a strong appetite to win, his hands-on approach and desire to nurture will hugely benefit the development of the young, emerging talent we have here.
“Scott will be a big part of my coaching team and whilst his impact will undoubtedly be felt on the pitch where I believe he still has much to give, I am looking forward to assisting his transition into coaching.
“He is excited about coming to Aberdeen and working with the current playing, and wider coaching and support staff already in place.
“I’ve no doubt he will be a success here.”
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe