Ante Palaversa admits it's Aberdeen payback time after Dons took chance to get him back on track

Ante Palaversa was always going to sign up long-term because he wanted to repay Aberdeen for helping get his career back on track.

The Dons took a chance on him when they signed him after an injury-hit and then frozen-out spell at French side Troyes. Jimmy Thelin gambled but Palaversa has already shown his qualities and Aberdeen have since triggered their option that will keep him at Pittodrie until the summer of 2027. Palaversa said: “For me that’s amazing to get the deal done now as I’m really happy to be here.

“This is a club that gave me the chance again after the recent years when I didn’t get to play. When I say club I mean everybody and I feel that in training and in games I’m going to give my best. I just feel that the bad days are hopefully behind me now and all I’m focussed on is today and tomorrow at Aberdeen. It’s been a while since I was not fit enough to play, to compete, so I’m really happy about myself.

“About the contract, I feel so happy. It’s amazing to be here. Without the team, it would not be possible. We haven’t achieved anything yet, but we have had some good moments, so maybe that’s also the reason.

“It’s just amazing to be here, amazing to be part of the squad, so that’s why I wanted to stay and be in the manager’s plan. “I like it, so it’s just up to me. I’m so happy.”

Thelin has spoken about his long-term plan to make Aberdeen’s third force, to win trophies and to get them back into Europe. Palaversa wants to be a central part of that.

The Croat stated: “I want to make an impact for the club and myself and be part of a good Aberdeen team. We want to be fighting for a top three place and get European football next season. We would also like to win a cup as it was disappointing to go out to