Joe Lewis is set to pursue a career as a football agent following his exit from Aberdeen.
The 35-year-old lost his position as first-choice last season and has now departed Pittodrie after seven years at the club.
Lewis, who moved to Scotland from Cardiff, had previously captained the Dons before Kelle Roos ousted him as Barry Robson’s preferred goalkeeper.
Herald Sport can now reveal that Lewis is set to become an agent, but he will also look to continue playing if the right option comes his way.
“I have a year left but spoke to the club because I didn’t want to just drag it out for the sake of having another year," said Lewis.
“I feel it has come to a natural end, I have so many good memories on and off the field.
“The birth of my second child in Aberdeen hospital, my first one has spent seven out of eight years here.
“I have had a great relationship with the supporters, managers and the owners of the club - people from top to bottom.
“So I have mixed feelings, it’s emotional - but I feel it has come to a natural end.
“I’m grateful to the club for being so good when I approached them and letting me go.
“Straight from the start I always felt I had a good relationship with the supporters and tried to be a calming influence on the back four or five.
“I got off to a strong start and that carried me through.
“I don’t think anyone could ever accuse me of not doing my best and giving all for the shirt."
On the pride of being named Aberdeen captain, Lewis explained: “Being made captain was a huge honour, especially when you realise the history of the club.
“This is a really big football club so I’m proud to have played 271 games here.
“Kelle has come in, he’s been absolutely brilliant and we’ve got on really well.
“Sammy, Tom and Kelle - there is a fantastic group there.
“You could tell Kelle is happy off the pitch and I like to think I played a small part in helping him settle in.
“He was exceptional last season.
“Goalkeepers are close and I will miss them, we formed strong bonds together.
“I love the changing room, especially now and you can see from any clips you see how close-knit the group is.
“I’ve always tried to help the other players, especially the young ones, and have enjoyed doing that."
Reflecting on his highlights during his time at Pittodrie, Lewis continued: “There have been loads of highlights, a few performances like at Murrayfield against Hearts and then in the cup finals.
“You think back to certain saves, like the penalty one from Scott Sinclair - and even though we didn’t win, you look back on them as great memories.
“The disappointment was not winning some silverware because it was something I was really keen to do with the club.
“You look back on moments in some of those games but that Brendan Rodgers team was very good and we just couldn’t get past them in the three finals we had against them.
“That would have been the icing on the cake but you can’t have any regrets.
“There were a lot of good moments in the seven years and I will look back with fond memories.”
Lewis has no imminent plans for the future, but he was quick to confirm that he will not be retiring from football just yet. He added: “I’ve not made any firm decisions on what I’ll do next.
“I will assess my options and see what comes up.
“I won’t be a stranger to the north-east, that’s for sure, this has been my second home and I will visit frequently.
“It’s emotional to think we’ll be leaving the city because the people of Aberdeen have been so good to us.
“So I have to thank the fans, there has been a lot of ups and downs, but I think the club is in fantastic hands.
“A big thank you for the last seven years with me through thick and thin.”
Manager Barry Robson hailed Lewis, saying: “Joe has been a colossal figure at the club for many years and he can be extremely proud of his contribution to Aberdeen FC.
“Both on and off the pitch, he has been a leader. Not only an outstanding goalkeeper, but a proper professional and exactly the type you want in and around your dressing room.
“I would like to thank Joe personally and wish him well for whatever is next.”
