Aberdeen star Jonny Hayes admits interested teams had no chance of signing him before he sealed his emotional Aberdeen return.
The 33-year-old exited Celtic after three seasons and was chased by a host of clubs including Dundee United and a clutch of English Championship sides.
The Republic of Ireland winger was a key utility man under Neil Lennon and played his part in vital wins over Rangers and Lazio last season.
But Hayes only had eyes for a return to the Granite City upon the expiry of his contract and was more than happy to bide his time to secure a reunion with Derek McInnes.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I always said to my agent that if I left Celtic I’d want to go back to Aberdeen.
"There were opportunities to go elsewhere but I was never really interested to be honest.
"That’s why we waited and waited. With the virus things moved a bit slower but my advisors were quite happy to wait."
Meanwhile, Craig Bryson is determined to make up for lost time and to show the Red Army he is not just at Aberdeen to pick up one final pay packet.
Bryson, 33, set to start against Rangers today, was a marquee signing from Derby last summer but suffered frustrating ankle problems.
Now back to full fitness the former Scotland midfielder said: "It was terrible, that’s the side of it fans don’t see. I saw comments about being here to pick up a wage.
"I had opportunities to stay down south and financially it would have been far better for me. But I wanted to come back and play for Aberdeen.
"I’m going to have to have a good season to get some fans back on-side."
