CHERRIES new boy Hamed Traore shared how he is “determined to be a success at Bournemouth” – stating how his move to the Premier League was a “dream come true”.

Ivorian international Traore was one of six signings made by Cherries during the January transfer window, the attacking midfielder arriving on deadline day from Sassuolo on an initial loan that will become permanent come the summer.

It is reported that Cherries could potentially pay up to €30million including bonuses for the 22-year-old.

Speaking about his move, Traore told afcb.co.uk: “I am very excited to be here. It has always been a dream of mine to play in the Premier League so being here is a dream come true.

“Now it has become a reality and I have arrived, there is extra incentive and motivation to do well. I am really looking forward to getting started.”

Traore then went on to explain how he hoped to emulate fellow countrymen and Premier League stars Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, labelling the pair as his “idols”.

He continued: “When I was growing up in Ivory Coast, my idols were Didier Drogba at Chelsea and Yaya Touré at Manchester City. Everyone in my country followed them and wanted to be like them.

“Max Gradel is a teammate with Ivory Coast and I know he played for Bournemouth. Whenever I’m with him, he gives me advice and he always helps the youngsters and is a very good man.

“From what I’ve seen from afar, I think the Premier League will have different levels of intensity than Serie A.

“The Italian league is very tactical and schematic in the approach within games.

“From what I’ve seen of the Premier League, it’s built on intensity and that’s what really excites me about coming here.”

Arriving in Italy as a youngster from his native Cote D’Ivoire, Traore has only ever plied his trade in the Italian football system, starting off in Serie B with Empoli.

After spending two seasons on loan at Sassuolo, he made the move permanent in the summer of 2021, with Traore playing 111 times for the Watermelon Peel.

“I arrived at Sassuolo as a boy and I’ve left as a man,” restarted the four-time Ivorian international.

“I’m very fond of the club and the fans and have had a lot of interaction with them on social media.

“The club played a huge part in my career and I will forever be indebted to them for that.

“This is my focus now and I am determined to be a success at Bournemouth. I will work hard every day to try to achieve my personal aims and also those of the club.

"I would like to thank everybody involved for making this move happen and I can’t wait to get started.”