Ryan Christie has revealed he's always fancied trying his luck down south after completing the deadline day switch from Celtic to Bournemouth.
The attacker joined on a late deal with his contract running out, allowing the Hoops to make some cash from his transfer.
He has started the season on fire for Ange Postecoglou's outfit but, speaking to his new club's website, he admitted the moment he knew the Cherries were interested in his services, he was keen to get moving.
Since being monitored as a young lad at Inverness by Bournemouth, Christie explained he has always kept an eye on their progress.
So when they came back in for him this month, it was a no-brainer. “Throughout my whole career I’ve always wanted to try my hand down in England and I’m really excited to join a team who’s going for promotion, going out to win games and achieve success," he said.
"I’m used to that at Celtic so hopefully I can help bring that to Bournemouth.
“The attraction was a bit of everything. It sounds a bit crazy but I’ve actually had an affection for Bournemouth for years now.
"Believe it not Bournemouth put a bid in for me back in my Inverness days as a really young player. You could say I’ve looked out for the club for a good few years now.
“As soon as I heard the club were an option, I managed to speak to Scott Parker and with the way he spoke, he’s a big encouragement in terms of the brand of football and the way his teams play.
“From watching what he did with Fulham and then seeing him come to Bournemouth I think I’m taking a big step in the right direction.
“The whole feeling of it was right and even though I did have a couple of other options this was the one that I was just desperate to get over the line."
Christie added: “It was a massive decision, especially with the new manager coming in at Celtic and the club starting really well.
“Everything was very positive after a frustrating season last year, so it was about sitting down and weighing up my options, but I came to the decision that I was desperate to try this challenge and it’s the perfect time for me to try it.
“I’ve had six great and successful years at Celtic and hopefully that can help me even more in coming down and doing really well for Bournemouth."
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