Adam Rooney has left Aberdeen after signing for the Class of ’92’s National League side Salford City.
The hitman had been with the Dons since 2014 and scored 88 goals in 187 appearances.
But he has now moved on to the Peninsula Stadium side after agreeing a deal to work under former Scotland international Graham Alexander.
Speaking to Red TV, Rooney said: “I can’t thank the fans enough for what they’ve done.
“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.
Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are Salford City co-owners alongside Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville
“Also everyone around the club, it’s not just the players here, have been brilliant with me.
“It’s a real family club. I think I’ve known everyone’s first name from my time over the years and it’s not as if there’s only four or five people working here.
“Everyone get’s on well, everyone’s pulling in the same direction whether it’s the football staff, the media team or catering staff, everyone at the club are really good people and it’s been great to get to know them.
“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.
“I spoke to my family about and I felt it would be a good opportunity for something new.
“I wasn’t keen to go somewhere else in Scotland and the move (to Salford) is something I’m really looking forward to taking part in and hopefully making a name for myself there.”
Salford – part-owned by Manchester United legends Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville – are preparing for their Vanarama National League debut.
The Greater Manchester outfit clinched promotion after finishing top of the National League North last season.
Rooney admits he is excited by the project which has hit the headlines across the UK the past few years.
He added: “The plans and ambition Salford have really intrigues me and where they want to take it. But the other side of that is actually having to leave here.
“I certainly wasn’t booted out the door. Unfortunately, in football you feel your time comes to an end at certain periods in your career and you have to move on and we felt it was the right time for everyone.
“The reason I came here, and I had other options, was to work with the Gaffer. We’ve had a great relationship and this is the happiest I’ve been at any club throughout my career.
“It’s been the most enjoyable experience and the gaffer, Doc and everyone around the club has played a huge part in that.
“It’s a brilliant club to play for and hopefully the club’s going to continue to have more success.”
SunSport revealed the former Inverness striker was on the verge of joining Salford last week.
He fell out of favour at Pittodrie last season after the arrivals of Sam Cosgrove, Stevie May and Greg Stewart.