ANDONI Iraola highlighted the “similarities” between Cherries and his former club Rayo Vallecano, as he reflected on the “gift” of stepping out on the Vallecas pitch.

Iraola played his part in an anniversary match for Rayo, as the club celebrated 100 years since its formation.

The 41-year-old wore the captain’s armband for an ‘All Star’ team, who won 4-2 against a side of Rayo Vallecano ‘legends’.

Iraola spent three years as head coach of Rayo, guiding them to promotion into La Liga and also reaching the Copa del Rey semi-finals, before leaving to join Cherries last summer.

Reflecting on his return to the Madrid-based club, this time on the pitch, Iraola told Union Rayo, in quotes translated from Spanish: “For me it has been a gift, a pleasure.

“After a year, seeing so many familiar faces again, live it a little together.

“A centenary, in 100 years there are many people who have done many things for this to go the way it is, I am lucky to be here.”

Discussing the club’s supporters, Iraola added: “I am indebted, I feel very valued, during, before and after.

“People have been very supportive of us while I have been here.

“It is the place where I was coaching the longest. I have felt good and bad moments, but always highly valued.

He added: “What there is around the club is something very big.

“People very proud to be from Rayo and even knowing that they are not the best, they fight against them to be.

“In addition, it has a special part that is the stadium, the day-to-day life, which makes it very identifiable.

“I am indebted, I feel very valued, you cannot ask people for anything.

"They are always with the team, they always are and they will continue to be, it is the greatest strength that the club has."

Asked about his decision to leave Rayo last year, Iraola said: “We made the decision with the club, we wanted to have a new experience, although we had had three very good years here.

“The coaches either decide when they leave or they kick you out.

“We were fighting for Europe until the last game, but I think it was time to close it.

“Three very nice seasons, but I think it was the right thing to do.”

In his first season at Cherries, Iraola guided the club to a 12th-placed finish in the Premier League and was nominated for manager of the season.

He was also rewarded with a new contract, keeping him at Vitality Stadium until 2026.

“In football you never know, I am very happy in England and I have renewed for another season,” said Iraola.

“The contract in the coaching world is not of much use, but I want to try to do very well there.

“Bournemouth's project is very good, young people with a long career.

“That has a close similarity with Rayo, although Rayo has more history than Bournemouth, but it does have a humble feeling.

“Each club has its characteristics, but with similarities.”