Derek McInnes insists Jonny Hayes is keen to play down his Aberdeen wage gesture.
The winger deferred has wages for a year in order to seal a return from Celtic.
Aberdeen are anticipating a £10million hit from the coronavirus pandemic and the move would not have been possible without Hayes' decision.
But Pittodrie boss McInnes revealed Hayes isn't seeking the limelight with his actions.
He told the Evening Express : “Jonny is a magnificent signing and a huge shot in the arm for everyone, including myself, that we managed to get him here.
“I am grateful for the gesture he made to allow it to happen. That shouldn’t be underplayed as it couldn’t have been done without Jonny’s gesture.
“Jonny does not want to make a huge deal of that. He just wants to concentrate with the job in hand and has been training brilliantly. It is great to have Jonny back.”
Hayes was a key player for McInnes before departing for Glasgow in 2017.
And the manager is convinced he'll be pivotal for his side once again this coming season.
McInnes added: “Jonny is a game changer. The speed we all know Jonny possesses is still there.
“Regardless of where we play him Jonny can be the difference in any game.”
