\n<\/p>\n
Shinnie’s departure will come as no surprise to Aberdeen fans, with his influence on the pitch waning in a turbulent season.<\/p>\n
The midfielder only started half of the club’s league games as they limped to ninth place, with his all-action play becoming less effective week-to-week as age catches up.<\/p>\n
Robinson clearly agrees as he starts his Aberdeen rebuild, with regular game time the sticking point in Shinnie extending his stay.<\/p>\n
However, the captain will depart as a hero to every Dons supporter. One of their own, he visibly gave everything every time he stepped on to the pitch.<\/p>\n
Watching a local lad fly into tackles, rally team-mates and sometimes single-handedly drive their team forward is not something fans are regularly accustomed to in the modern game. That is what Shinnie gave the Red Army.<\/p>\n
During his first spell, he was part of a brilliant midfield three that also involved Kenny McLean and Ryan Jack as Aberdeen became Celtic’s main challengers, losing out in finals and in the league.<\/p>\n
Latterly, with lots of signings coming and going, he has been one of few consistent presences, giving the club a sense of identity.<\/p>\n
Despite that turbulence of recent years, he got the moment he and his fellow fans had dreamed of on 24 May 2025.<\/p>\n
Shinnie will forever be remembered for sticking Aberdeen’s first penalty in the shootout win over Celtic right into the top corner.<\/p>\n
That, and the celebrations that followed that long-awaited Scottish Cup win, will be the defining image of him at Pittodrie.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n