Goodwin dismisses fans’ talk of Ramirez looking for early exit

Aberdeen striker Christian Ramirez has given no indication he wants to return to the US, confirmed boss Jim Goodwin.

There has been mounting fan speculation that Ramirez could exit Pittodrie in the summer.

His family recently returned to the States and the striker reacted angrily to being substituted in the 1-0 defeat of Dundee.

The United States international, who has scored 15 times this season, is contracted to the Dons until 2023.

Goodwin said there has been no sign from Ramirez or his representatives that he aims to leave.

The Dons boss aims to rebuild in the summer and confirmed Ramirez remains part of his plans.

Goodwin said: “Christian is contracted to Aberdeen next season and has not made any statements to me or publicly about wanting to move back to America.

“I think his family went home last week but that was always planned for the summer.

“I will have more discussions with all of those players in the next couple of weeks but as far as I’m aware or led to believe Christian Ramirez is committed to Aberdeen.”

Ramirez was dropped for the first time in a Premiership match since August in the 2-1 loss to Livingston recently.

Last summer Ramirez arrived at Pittodrie as one of ex-manager Stephen Glass marquee signings.

Goodwin said: “Christian scored some important goals for the club in the first half of the season.

“I think there was a little bit of disappointment when Stephen Glass was relieved of his duties because he brought him to the club.

“That’s only natural as a player because you’re used to working with a certain manager and a certain style. I do things a little bit differently.

“I have to say Christian has been completely on board with everything that we’ve asked him to do.”