“only one place I was going”

Quotes from his RedTV interview earlier today:

“It is a good feeling to be back. When I was driving up the road from Edinburgh it brought back a lot of good memories when I came into Aberdeen.

“The sun was shining in Edinburgh and then once we hit Aberdeen the snow started so I knew I was back home in the Granite City!

“I am over the moon that we got it over the line. I have really enjoyed my time off in the last three or four weeks and I am now looking forward to getting going again tomorrow.

“I had other options and had some very good options. So I just went back home and relaxed and did not rush into any decision.

“But once Aberdeen came calling there was only one place I was going.

“I am delighted to have everything signed.

“The longer term contract was a big positive for me. I am in my prime at the moment and I am at a good age. That little bit of security is always nice as well. Everything was done quite quickly once I decided I was coming back. All my contract dealings with the club have been very easy.

“The main thing for me is to get back working hard again, get my fitness back during the winter break and hopefully I am back in a red shirt very soon.

“I kept in close contact with the manager and Tony when I was in Korea. When I heard Aberdeen had offered me another contract I was keen to get it done.

“I have really enjoyed my time under the manager. It was a massive reason why I came back. I wanted to work under him and Tony and I am also looking forward to working with all the players again.

“Playing under the gaffer at Aberdeen was the best spell in my career. I was playing a lot of football and I scored a decent amount of goals and also helped contribute with a good number of assists. Winning the League Cup was important as well. What the manager has done for the club and with the players he has brought in over the years, it has been very enjoyable being part of the club during his time in charge.

“To have the opportunity to come back and work under him again is exciting.

“The manager, the players and also the fans were all factors. Since day one the Aberdeen supporters have been unbelievable with me. Even when I left they were fine with me and I have had a lot of positive messages on social media recently. Hopefully me coming here will put a lot of smiles on their faces again.

“Korea was a good experience. I was playing catch up once I arrived there because they were half way through their season. The team were also sitting bottom of the table. But the stadium and facilities I played in were top drawer. They were all built for the 2002 World Cup. All in all, it was a great experience although things did not work out as well I would have planned with my team getting relegated and there being a change in managers. I am still glad I went there though and experienced it. Doing something like that can only stand me in good stead.

“And as I say I have had a good break so I am well refreshed and I am eager to go again.

“It is probably the longest I have been off now for a number of years. It was just nice to be at home and I think it was my first Christmas in Northern Ireland since I moved away nine or ten years ago. I have recharged the batteries.

“I have been keeping a close eye on how the team have been doing. It is good to see them back up near the top of the league. They have been very consistent this season which is good to see. I am looking forward to the Scottish Cup game in a couple of weeks and looking forward to being involved in that.

“I have spoken to the manager briefly about my role in the team. I will just get my fitness back first of all and then worry about the football after that. I will get my head down and work hard. I think the manager has added quality to the squad but hopefully my experience will benefit the team as well.

“If I am playing on the wing and I am creating chances for other players then I am happy with that. But with being on 68 goals I will want to hit that 100 mark. Hopefully I can hit the ground running.

“Looking back to when we won the League Cup, and even last season when we had the days out at Hampden, that is what you want as a footballer. When you come to a club like Aberdeen you are going to have those big days. The support we bring to Hampden is always incredible. The Scottish Cup final was a massive disappointment especially after we got off to such a great start. The finish was bitterly disappointing but with me coming back here, and with the longer-term contract, I am hopefully going to get more opportunities to play in cup finals.”

Aberdeen FC Statement