Aberdeen striker Luis 'Duk' Lopes has rejoined the first-team squad after apologising over his AWOL incident.
The forward - who has netted 25 times for the club - was not involved with the first-team amid a lengthy period of absence.
Duk, 24, failed to report for training and was missing from the club without permission. The player also refused to engage with club officials when contacted with internal disciplinary proceedings taken against the attacker.
However, in a major twist, Duk has now apologised to Aberdeen and will return to the first-team fold.
He said: “I would like to sincerely apologise to everyone associated with Aberdeen for my absence over the last period. I deeply regret being away.
"I am grateful to the Club, the manager, my teammates and supporters for giving me a chance. I will work hard every day to try and help the team.”
Read more:
-
Steve Clarke must keep Scotland firmly on the front foot
-
The Tartan Army must raise their game - and embrace ultra culture
Jimmy Thelin added: “Aberdeen is a family Club built in a family tradition. At times, people in your family might make a mistake and, on those occasions, you rally around and support.
“Duk has demonstrated his contrition over this situation and understands his behaviour falls well below the standards we expect here so it is our job now to work with him in training and get him ready to compete for a place in the squad again.”
Dons chief Alan Burrows said of the situation: “This has been a very challenging situation for all involved and it was important for everyone that Duk understood and accepted that he shall return to Aberdeen and his behaviour was not what we would expect from any Aberdeen player.
“He has owned the situation, returned and convinced us all that he not only recognises those things, but he is hungry to help the team and the Club going forward and accomplish this season objectives.
“The Board, football management, the players and staff have accepted this. I hope our supporters can do the same.”
