PHILIP Billing is pleased to put speculation to bed by signing a new Cherries contract, and has set himself an ambitious goal tally target for the season.

The Denmark international was heading into the final season of his deal with the club, but has now put pen-to-paper on a fresh contract which ties him to Cherries until 2027.

“I know there was speculation and people didn’t really know what was going to happen,” Billing told afcbTV.

“I didn’t know either myself. But to be a part of this new era is something I couldn’t say no to.

“I’m very pleased. It’s been a while. There’s been a lot of speculation, I’ve seen as well and heard.

“I’m just happy for my own peace of mind that I can continue here and hopefully we can establish this club in the Premier League again.

“That’s the main goal and where the club is going. So personally I’m very happy.

“With what the chairman (Bill Foley) is doing and the players he is bringing in. Pretty much from when he started owning the club, he started the new training ground and stuff like that makes you want to be a part of this project.

“This is my fifth season now I’m going into, so I’m delighted to stay and looking forward to what’s coming.”

Billing scored seven goals in the Premier League last season, his best return in the top flight to date for either Cherries or previous club Huddersfield Town.

In the 2021-22 campaign, the midfielder bagged 11 times, whilst Cherries were a Championship club.

Asked how big a part playing under new boss Andoni Iraola was in his decision to stay, Billing said: “I’m trying to build from last season.

“I want to score more goals and he was a big part.

“The way he wants to play I think it suits me well. I think he called it organised chaos, which is good.

“We have the players for it, we have good ball-players, but we have a fit team as well.

“So I think it suits everybody well, but especially me and hopefully I can get to double figures this season.

“For my peace of mind, knowing that I’m not going into the season with only one year left. It’s definitely something I’m looking forward to.”