After over two decades of service to the game, Scotland cult-hero Andy Considine has announced his retirement from professional football, effective immediately.
The 37-year-old made the announcement on Sunday evening, bringing an end to a storied career that spanned more than 500 appearances at the top level.
Considine first broke into the Aberdeen first team in 2003 and went on to become a stalwart at the heart of the Dons' defence. Over the course of his 18 seasons with the club, he scored 40 goals and provided 33 assists from 558 outings.
He then ended his time in the game with St Johnstone, where he went on to play 71 times across two seasons before becoming a free agent this summer.
A tough-tackling and reliable presence at the back, Considine was a key figure in helping Aberdeen establish themselves as one of the top teams in the Scottish Premiership, winning the League Cup in 2014 and finishing as runners-up in another three finals.
Despite his long and mostly successful tenure at Pittodrie, Considine's international career was relatively short-lived - yet iconic due to the success of his stag-do video, where the Banchory-born star is captured singing along to Bacarra's disco anthem, "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie".
The tune has now been adopted by the Tartan Army, with it being belted out throughout Germany at Euro 2024, ensuring Considine's legacy lives on.
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He earned three caps for the Scotland national team overall, making his long-awaited debut during a 1-0 win over Slovakia in 2020 at the age of 33.
While his international opportunities were limited, Considine will be fondly remembered by the Aberdeen faithful as a modern-time great, a player whose commitment, work ethic and leadership on the pitch embodied the spirit of the team and the city.
Announcing his decision to hang up his boots, the versatile defender took to Instagram to share the news.
Accompanied by a series of his career highlights, Considine wrote: "Sad because it's over but smiling because it happened. Thank you football."
His former teammates and fans were quick to react to the post, with Niall McGinn commenting, "Some career mate. Enjoy what lies ahead for you."
Lawrence Shankland said: "Congratulations on a great career Andy, a top top guy. All the best with what's next."
"It was an absolute pleasure playing along side you my man, some career. Now rest them old legs, you've earned it, Aberdeen legend," said Shay Logan.
While Richard Foster replied: "One of the best guys in the game. Fantastic career and good luck with whatever comes next."
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