Celtic captain Scott Brown has today (March 25) announced he will bid farewell to Celtic at the end of the season after 14 years with the club. The Hoops skipper has confirmed he will take up a new position as a player/coach with Aberdeen next season.

Chief Executive Peter Lawwell has paid tribute to Brown and said the 35-year-old would forever be remembered as a Celtic legend.

“Scott Brown has been the heartbeat of Celtic for so long and without doubt, the most influential figure in the Scottish game across the past 15 years,” said Peter Lawwell. “With more than 600 appearances for the club, he has made an imprint on Celtic which puts him in the company of our other true greats - and with a legacy to match.

“When he chose Celtic over others, we were of course delighted. We knew we were getting one of the country’s finest talents and he in turn a chance to take to the stage and be part of Scotland’s biggest club. He took this opportunity with both hands but I don’t think anyone of us would have imagined just how successful he was going to be. Ever since signing, he has lived and breathed the club and our cause - day after day, across a decade and a half, giving his heart and soul to Celtic.

“As every Celtic Manager in the past 15 years will testify, as well as being a hugely talented player, Scott’s effort, his drive, his work ethic and his will to win, are an example to us all. He has been a pivotal figure in delivering such a sustained period of dominance for the club and for that, I know every Celtic supporter will be so grateful to him.

Celtic captain Scott Brown announces plans to depart at end of season