CHERRIES star Jaidon Anthony insists he holds "no real bitterness" towards Arsenal, despite the north London club releasing him as a 16-year-old.

Hackney-born Anthony spent a decade in Gunners' academy, alongside the likes of current first-team players Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson.

After being let go in 2016, Anthony was snapped up by Cherries, following a successful trial period. He could face his old club when Arsenal head to Vitality Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm).

Following a spell on loan at non-league Weymouth, the talented winger made his professional debut, coming off the bench a day after his 21st birthday, providing an assist in a 2-1 defeat to Preston North End at Vitality Stadium in December 2020.

It was the following season where Anthony really made his breakthrough, featuring in every Championship match under Scott Parker last term, helping the club clinch promotion back to the Premier League.

Asked if matches against former club Arsenal were the first he would be looking out for this season now he is a Premier League player, Anthony told the Daily Echo: "Yeah, definitely.

"I have no real bitterness. I understand why the club did what they did in terms of releasing me at that time.

"But it’s definitely an exciting prospect, and to go back to the Emirates (in March) and hopefully put on a good performance and have a good time there."

He added: "All games are really exciting for me.

"Obviously this is what I’ve dreamed of as a kid to play in the Premier League and it’s a big opportunity and hopefully we can have a good successful year."

Anthony is yet to get a taste of top-flight football, having been an unused substitute in each of Cherries' opening two matches of the campaign.

Quizzed on the levels required in the Premier League, from his watching position on the bench, Anthony said: "Obviously we knew that coming in, and hopefully I can get my chance soon, to make an impact.

"I’ll be ready whenever."

Discussing the possibility of his Premier League debut coming against Arsenal, the 22-year-old said: "To be honest, I’ve been pushing for every game, but as soon as that game came up, I was looking forward to it.

"Hopefully I can have a special day there, and I can make an impact."