ILLIA ZABARNYI thanked AFC Bournemouth supporters for coining a new song for him, with the Ukrainian stating how he loves hearing it on repeat.

During a lull in play at Kenilworth Road, Cherries supporters took the opportunity to serenade Zabarnyi with a chant to the tune of Whitney Houston’s 1987 hit ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’, replacing the titular ‘somebody’ with the Ukrainian international’s surname.

Directly in front of the travelling support at Luton, Zabarnyi showed his gratitude with a round of applause.

And despite the eventual result, Cherries losing 2-1 to the Hatters, Zabarnyi will recall the memory as a “really nice moment.”

He told the Daily Echo: “It was a really, really nice moment and I'm enjoying it every time because they are amazing.

“And they deserve our position in the league table.

“And of course I enjoy it. I love it.

“And I want to say thank to everyone who did it and who supports our team.

“I think it's very important.

“For me it's the first time (I've had a personalised chant) and I'm really, really excited and enjoy it because not every club does this for players.

“They're amazing.”

Asked if he had any interactions with Cherries supporters out and about in Bournemouth, the Ukrainian responded: “Yeah a few – to take pictures, to give signatures.

“They are very kind people and everyone is always smiling – just amazing.”

So far this campaign Zabarnyi has played every minute of Cherries’ league fixtures, including last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

The 21-year-old felt his side deserved more from the encounter, Bournemouth left frustrated by two penalty shouts that went against them.

However, Zabarnyi believes the point helps Cherries move closer to their target of setting a new club record by overhauling the current high of 46 points in the 2016/17 season.

“It was a tough game, and I thought we should have won,” continued the former Dynamo Kyiv defender.

“We know what Manchester United are as a team, and I think we did well against them.

“It was a good performance for us, and I think a positive one because now we're in a good spot, but we still need points to beat the record.”

Discussing the trip to Villa Park, Zabarnyi continued: “They are a great team - that's why they're high up the table.

“They're a difficult team, but I think we can have a chance because we have a lot of quality.

“100 per cent we are confident. Now we just can play our game and all the best things, what we can do.”