Ten years on: Asmir Begovic on returning to AFC Bournemouth

The summer signing will soon start his second spell in a Cherries jersey, this time on a permanent basis, having spent an nine-game loan stint with the club in 2007.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international told afcb.co.uk about his memories of being a Bournemouth player ten years ago.

“They are nice memories, though it was a very short time,” he recalled. “It was part of my development in my career. I came in, was given the opportunity to play and had some really good experience playing in some good games.

“I remember the fans were as great as ever then and I learned a lot even in those few appearances. At that age that’s really important and it’s definitely a nice memory, I can’t wait to get back and see everyone again.

After his autumn spell at Dean Court a decade ago, Begovic spoke of his pleasure at seeing the Cherries rise so quickly to match his ambitions in the Premier League.

He explained: “It’s been a huge journey for the whole club and it’s been very impressive from the outside looking in.

“It’s amazing to see what everyone has achieved, it’s a nice time to join and hopefully we’ll keep it going in the same direction it’s been going for the last little while.

“I’d be lying if I said I expected it [joining Bournemouth as a Premier League club] back then, but it’s funny how it’s all come full circle once again.”

The ‘keeper on the bench the last time Begovic pulled on a Cherries jersey, back in September 2007 in a home match with Carlisle United, was Neil Moss.

And the new signing is excited to link up again with Moss, now the goalkeeping coach at Vitality Stadium.

“We’ve spoken a couple of times, I’m really excited to be working with him and the other goalkeepers in the group.

“We can work really well together. He’s very good at what he does, he has great qualities and attention to detail so I’m excited to work with him again.

“He’s got a great work ethic and that fits into my ethos. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”