Scotland international Ryan Christie has insisted he has had "an affection for Bournemouth for years" after leaving Celtic in a cut price deal.
The 26-year-old looked to have kick-started his Parkhead career under Ange Postecoglou after a disappointing campaign last term, but left for the English Championship on deadline day.
Christie left Glasgow's east end for just £1.5million after entering the final months of his Celtic contract.
The switch to England's second tier surprised fans with Europa League football on offer in Glasgow, and Premier League Burnley also interested.
However, the playmaker insists he has taken the right step - and couldn't say no to the Cherries after they approached him for a second time.
He told the club website: “Throughout my whole career I’ve always wanted to try my hand down in England and I’m really excited to join a team who’s going for promotion, going out to win games and achieve success.
"I’m used to that at Celtic so hopefully I can help bring that to Bournemouth.
“The attraction was a bit of everything. It sounds a bit crazy but I’ve actually had an affection for Bournemouth for years now.
"Believe it not Bournemouth put a bid in for me back in my Inverness days as a really young player. You could say I’ve looked out for the club for a good few years now.
“As soon as I heard the club were an option, I managed to speak to Scott Parker and with the way he spoke, he’s a big encouragement in terms of the brand of football and the way his teams play.
“From watching what he did with Fulham and then seeing him come to Bournemouth I think I’m taking a big step in the right direction.
“The whole feeling of it was right and even though I did have a couple of other options this was the one that I was just desperate to get over the line."
Christie leaves Celtic Parkhead having lifted two Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups, and earning two League Cup winners medals.
Reflecting on his decision to leave Celtic after a positive start under Postecolgou, he added: “It was a massive decision, especially with the new manager coming in at Celtic and the club starting really well.
“Everything was very positive after a frustrating season last year, so it was about sitting down and weighing up my options, but I came to the decision that I was desperate to try this challenge and it’s the perfect time for me to try it.
“I’ve had six great and successful years at Celtic and hopefully that can help me even more in coming down and doing really well for Bournemouth."
