STRIKER Adam Rooney has thanked Aberdeen fans for their support during his time at the club as he moves to Salford City.
The Irish striker, who netted 88 goals in 197 games, said he was looking forward to a new chapter but that it had been a ‘privilege’ to play for the Dons.
Thanks @AberdeenFC for everything! Good luck everyone! ?? pic.twitter.com/UfASPTWu8T
— Adam Rooney (@17AdamRooney) July 19, 2018
“I can’t thank the fans enough for what they’ve done,” he told the club’s website.
“Not just at the games, but in and around the City and out where we are in Ellon, myself and the family have had a great relationship with them and it’s been brilliant. Anywhere we go we’ve been treated well by everyone and it’s been a brilliant club to play for.
“It’s not an easy decision when you’ve come so close to the club.
“It wasn’t easy, but I just felt my time was coming to an end here and the opportunity came up at Salford.”
Welcome to Salford City, Adam Rooney! ✍️#WeAreSalford ?? pic.twitter.com/4lkfwly22i
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) July 19, 2018
Dons boss Derek McInnes paid tribute to the Irishman on his departure from the club.
He said: “We wish Adam all the very best with his new venture and it is always with a heavy heart when you lose a good player who is also a really good person.
“Since I signed Adam four-and-a-half years ago, he has given us nothing but good value and has been a fantastic boy to work with.”
Salford City – part owned by former Manchester United stars Phil and Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs – are set for their first season in The National League, English football’s fifth tier.
Backed by the stars of the Class of 92, they have high ambitions going forward.
Meanwhile, Dom Ball admits he knew he was onto a good thing at Aberdeen after returning for a second stint at Pittodrie.
The Rotherham defender has agreed to another year’s loan deal with Derek McInnes’ side after helping the Dons finish best of the rest in the Ladbrokes Premiership last term.
Now the 22-year-old former Tottenham stopper has targeted beating former side Rangers to the runners-up slot once again.
He told RedsTV: “I’m delighted to be back in here and I’m ready to go for the season.
“One of the big reasons for me was I wanted to come back to somewhere where I knew everyone and hit the ground running straight away. Speaking to the manager that was important for us both.
“We deserved (second spot) in the end last season and I think that was another reason for me wanting to come back up, I wanted to carry that on.
“We want to carry on that level of performance and that winning mentality we all had as a group of players and, if we can continue where we left off, we’ll be in good nick.”
Aberdeen kick off the season with a battle of Britain showdown against Burnley in the Europa League before welcoming Steven Gerrard’s Gers to the Granite City on the opening day of the Premiership campaign.
“It is a big start to the season,” added Ball. “Burnley play in the EPL and it’s going to be a tough challenge, but we’ve got to go out there and try get the win.
“If you look at the first three games they’re going to be tough, but there’s going to be tough games throughout the whole season. If we go out there flying it helps us out for the rest of the season.
“It’s important we still have the core of the team which did win those games towards the end of the season to secure second place.
“We all know what’s required and the type of players we are so it helps the confidence.”
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