Glasgow Times

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- By JOHN McGILL

NIALL McGINN revealed his decision to return to Aberdeen was a simple one despite interest from several other clubs.

The Northern Ireland internatio­nal has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Dons following a brief spell in South Korea.

Hearts and Hibernian were among the clubs interested in signing him but the 30-year-old has returned to the club where he scored 68 goals in 223 matches before an unhappy stint with Gwangju.

The wide player told Aberdeen’s official website: “I had a number of options and had some very good options. So I just went back home and relaxed and did not rush into any decision.

“But once Aberdeen came calling there was only one place I was going. I am delighted to have everything signed.”

The forward will officially rejoin the club on New Year’s Day but arrived back in the Granite City ahead of Saturday’s visit of Hearts.

“When I was driving up the road this morning it brought back a lot of good memories when I c came into Aberdeen,” M McGinn said.

“I am over the moon that we got the deal over the line. I have really e enjoyed my time off in the last three or four weeks and I am now looking forward to getting going again. I am well refreshed and I am eager to go again.”

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes McGinn and the club are a perfect fit.

“Being as good a player as Niall is, we were not his only option,” McInnes said.

“It pleases us that he knew how happy he was here and I think that has played a big part in it. Niall knows he will be well received and I am sure the supporters will show that.

“He is a very popular lad around the club and his team-mates recognise the standard of player we have got. It is not easy to bring in someone in January, or at any time for that matter, with 50 odd internatio­nal caps.

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