AFC Bournemouth
Speaking after the first day of pre-season training, Aké said that the manager was a big factor in him moving to Vitality Stadium for the season and that he was pleased to secure the transfer before pre-season had begun.
"There was other interest in the summer," Aké told Cherries Player HD.
"I came and spoke to Eddie here and he gave me a lot of confidence, he talked about his plans on the pitch and I think we are quite similar, we both like to work hard.
"I felt there was a connection there and basically, I decided straight away I wanted to come here.
"It’s really good to join at the start of the summer so I have more time to get to know everyone and the way of playing.
"Last year, I joined Watford a month or two in and it helps a lot that I’m here now - I’m really excited for the new season."
A versatile player, Aké was used primarily as a full-back during his time at Vicarage Road last season.
Occasionally used as a centre-half and a midfielder too, the Dutchman is keen to cement a role in his preferred position playing just in front of the back four and is also hopeful of helping the Cherries improve on the 16th placed Premier League finish achieved last season.
"I can play in different positions. I like to get on the ball defensively play hard, with tackles and things like that," Aké continued.
"I think I am a holding midfielder, when I came to Chelsea I played as a centre back but then was told I was too small. So I changed to left back and then to midfield, I’ve been going around in circles! But last year I played left back, although my preferred position is holding midfield.
"It’s difficult to say after day one what the season will hold, but the main aim is to do better than last season, hopefully this season we can do that. It will be an exciting challenge."
Watch the full, uncut interview with Aké only on Cherries Player HD. For unrivalled pre-season access, click here.
