Goalkeeper Danny Ward has taken to social media to issue a heartfelt goodbye message to the Aberdeen support after Liverpool recalled him from his loan spell at Pittodrie.
Taking to his Twitter account, the 22-year-old Welshman, who is expected to be named in the Liverpool squad for Wednesday’s match against Arsenal thanks the Aberdeen support, declared himself “always a Don” and encouraged the Red Army to “keep standing free”.
In full the goalkeeper’s goodbye message to the Dons support said: “Dandies, I’d just like to place on record my deepest thanks to the manager, staff, players and everyone involved at Aberdeen Football Club for giving me the opportunity to play for such a big club.
“To all the fans I can’t thank you enough for the support you’ve given me over my six months at Pittodrie, from Kilmarnock to Kazakhstan your support has been amazing, you’ve made my time at the club very special.
“I wish the club all the very best for the rest of the season and every success in future, keep standing free!
“Once a Don always a Don.
“Danny x”
Ward returned to Anfield last night and will join the first-team squad for training today. Derek McInnes will now need to find a replacement goalkeeper to challenge Scott Brown.
McInnes agreed to extend Danny Rogers’ loan at Championship side Falkirk until the end of the season last week but, with Ward’s departure, Rogers could be recalled from the Bairns for Sunday’s Premiership match at Ross County.