Nial McGinn has signed for South Korean side Gwangju.
The Irishman left Celtic for Aberdeen in 2012 and was one of the main reasons for the success of Derek McInnes’ side including the 2014 League Cup Final win over Inverness Caley Thistle.
With his contract expiring it was expected that McGinn would move to the English Championship but in a surprise move he has decided to head to Asia.
New Chapter ??????????????????@GWANGJU_FC pic.twitter.com/NFzoSZOdef
— Niall McGinn (@nmcginn10) July 4, 2017
— Niall McGinn (@nmcginn10) July 4, 2017
Explaining the move to Aberdeen fans he said: “This is a new, exciting challenge for me, one that is very different to anything I have experienced in my career to date.
“When I joined Aberdeen in 2012 I had no idea of the great times that lay ahead.
“I want to thank Craig Brown, Archie Knox, Derek McInnes and Tommy Docherty. I also want to thank all other staff at the club.
“The fans at Aberdeen also deserve immense credit and thanks. They took me to their hearts and I took them to mine.”
McGinn joined Celtic in 2010 from Derry City but his development was hampered by the demise of the Reserve League.
Tony Mowbray handed him his debut in the 2010/11 season before he was sent on loan to Brentford by Neil Lennon.
Since moving to Aberdeen in 2012 McGinn has flourished as a striker and also on the wing with his departure and the transfer of Jonny Hayes leaving a big hole in the Aberdeen squad.
McGinn’s final game for Aberdeen was the Scottish Cup Final defeat from Celtic at Hampden in May.