Duk has apologised to everyone at Aberdeen for going AWOL over the summer.
The Cape Verde forward failed to report for pre-season training and was disciplined by the club, with boss Jimmy Thelin initially claiming he was absent due to a medical issue. The forward is in the last year of his contract and has made it clear he wants to leave Pittodrie. He claimed to have “many offers” on the table and that his preference would be to play in Spain, England or Germany.
However, a move failed to materialise which resulted in Duk going missing and his club struggling to make direct contact with him. However, an agreement has been reached that has seen him return to training. Whether he will be involved going forward remains to be seen and it seems almost certain he’ll depart the Dons either in January or when his contract ends next June.
But for now, the former Benfica B man has shown enough contrition to persuade Thelin and club chiefs to welcome him back. 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.”
Chief executive Alan Burrows added: “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.”
Thelin admitted Duk will have to fight for a spot in his squad. He said: “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.”