Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin says Andy Considine is leaving Pittodrie because contract talks collapsed.
Record Sport exclusively revealed on Tuesday night the Dons legend’s time was up before the club released a statement confirming our news.
The defender – capped three times by Scotland – made his debut in 2004 and has remained in the north-east ever since.
His season has been marred by a knee injury but the left-sided player recently made a return to matchday squads.
Considine's deal is up at the end of the season but Goodwin claims an offer of an extension was rejected as the player camp’s demands increased.
The Aberdeen great will now move on when the Scottish Premiership campaign finishes and Goodwin says he couldn't guarantee 35-year-old first-team football.
In an unusual statement in which Goodwin repeatedly hit out at "leaks", the Irishman said: "I have to make these difficult decisions and take the emotion out of it.
"This is entirely a football decision and as manager of this club it is my job to ensure we have a dynamic squad fully equipped for the challenges of the new season.
"On February 10th the club offered Andy a new one-year contract, rewarding him with a six-figure guaranteed deal, and furthermore offered him the opportunity of a pathway into coaching with our youth academy, where the club would continue to invest in his future including his coaching badges.
“Andy’s agent on 23 rd March sent in a counter-offer which was over 50 per cent more than our offer in guaranteed wages, and for a two-year contract.
“During my confidential talks with Andy we discussed the parties being too far apart financially and the reality is that I cannot guarantee him playing time next season. Ultimately, and understandably Andy wants to play.
“It goes without saying that everyone at the club thanks Andy for all his efforts over many, many years at Pittodrie and we wish him all the very best for the future when he does leave.
“The focus now has to only be about trying to win the game against Ross County on Saturday.”
Goodwin also claimed the fact Record Sport broke the news rather than Aberdeen threw him and the club "under a bus".
