Scott Brown says the reason he is leaving Celtic at the end of the season is the uncertainty surrounding a new manager.
The Parkhead skipper knocked back a one-year deal to join Aberdeen as a player/assistant coach with the arrival of Stephen Glass.
Brown admitted it was a hard decision to call time on his incredible 14-year tenure at the club, but with Neil Lennon's successor still to be named, he felt it was the right time to leave.
He also says the opportunity to continue his playing career, while working towards his long-term goal of one day becoming a manager was something he couldn't turn down.
He said: "I got another year offered at Celtic, it was a hard situation because I would have to wait until the end of the season and see who comes in.
"For me, to have that fresh start with somebody I know and trust and respect so maybe sitting at Celtic until the end of the season not sure what to do and who will come in, I think that played on my mind as well.
"But as I said, it will be a sad time when I do leave, but fantastic as well because I've enjoyed every single moment of it winning trophies, winning games and playing in front of some fantastic fans.
"Aberdeen offered me a two-year deal and it was an offer I couldn't turn down. I'll be 36 in the summer, but I still feel good. I've been playing a lot of games this season, been in and out a bit but that happens when you get that little bit older.
"That will probably happen at Aberdeen as well, but for me, it's about being a part of that coaching staff as well, learning under Stephen Glass and working towards my goal of being a manager one day down the line.
"But it also ticks the box of trying to play as long as I can in my career too."
Brown admits it will be an emotional farewell when he leaves Parkhead, but he hopes to end it on a high with a Scottish Cup still up for grabs.
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He added: "I’m looking forward to playing between now and the end of the season and playing as many games as possible, hopefully getting to another cup final as well.
"I’ve had 14 fantastic years at this club and I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it.
"It’s been a wonderful career for myself, I’ve enjoyed the moments with the fans but it’s just a pity I can’t share the last remaining games with the fans in the stadium.
"It’ll be emotional times when I do finish up but it’s a fresh start for myself, it’s something I’ve looked to get into and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead."
