CELTIC skipper Scott Brown says that he has "enjoyed every minute" of his time at Parkhead but admits that the time has come to start a new challenge.
The 35-year-old midfielder has been an integral player during the 14 years he has spent in Glasgow's East End and will depart this summer when his contract expires as one of the most decorated players in the club's history.
Brown will be heading to Pittodrie to work as a player/assistant manager with Stephen Glass as of next season - and the inspirational captain admits that he will feel a tinge of regret when he finally waves goodbye in an empty Celtic Park, rather than receiving the rapturous send-off his service to the club deserves.
He said: "I’m looking forward to playing between now and the end of the season and playing as many games as possible, hopefully getting to another cup final as well.
"I’ve had a 14 fantastic years at this club and I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it.
"It’s been a wonderful career for myself, I’ve enjoyed the moments with the fans but it’s just a pity I can’t share the last remaining games with the fans in the stadium.
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"It’ll be emotional times when I do finish up but it’s a fresh start for myself, it’s something I’ve looked to get into and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead."
Brown added that while he was offered a contract extension by the Premiership club, the uncertainty over who the next permanent manager will be played its part in convincing him to up sticks and join Aberdeen.
He explained: "I got offered another year at Celtic... it's a hard situation just now because I'd have to wait until the end of the season to see who comes in.
"For me, to have that fresh start with somebody I know, trust and respect fully.
"Maybe sitting in at Celtic until the end of the season, not sure what to do or who's coming in, that played on my mind as well.
"It's going to be a sad time when I do leave but it's been fantastic as well and I've enjoyed every single moment of it.
"Winning trophies, winning games and playing in front of our fantastic fans.
"I think I've got to look at the selfish point of view as well. I can't just go in there and run a dressing room and be the guy that I believe can still play football.
"Aberdeen offered me a two-year deal, it was an offer I couldn't turn down."
Brown added that despite his advancing years, he feels ready to play his part in first-team football at Aberdeen - and he reckons working alongside Glass will give him the perfect pathway into coaching once he decides to hang up his boots for good.
He said: "Yeah, I'll be 36 in the summer but I still feel good. I've played a lot of games this season, been in and out - but that happens when you get that little bit older.
"It'll probably happen at Aberdeen too but for me it's also about being part of that coaching staff as well.
"For me to learn as much as I can under Stephen and work towards my goal of being a coach, being a manager one day down the line but also ticking the box of trying to play as long as I can in my career."
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