NEW recruit Sylvain Distin insists his switch to Cherries is no SOS on the club’s part and has targeted enjoyment first in the Premier League. 

The vastly-experienced 37-year-old defender sealed a one-year deal at Dean Court following his release from Everton at the end of last season.

Left-sided Distin, a veteran of more than 450 top-flight appearances in England, revealed initial dialogue with Cherries head of recruitment and former-Portsmouth team-mate Richard Hughes had helped pave the way for the move.

Boss Eddie Howe lauded the leadership credentials of his new recruit when news of the transfer broke this morning but Distin asserted that his Cherries colleagues had already displayed similar traits.

On his role, Distin told the club website: “I am not here to save or to teach anyone, I am here to be part of the team so I am not putting myself under any pressure or obligation.

“The guys here had a fantastic season and learned from their experiences game after game. I want to enjoy my football and the Premier League and I am sure we can do that.

“I am really happy to be here. It took a bit longer than expected but it is great that it is done now.

“After a conversation with Richard Hughes, I stayed in touch over the past month and talked about the possibility. I told him I needed to refresh, take a holiday and then think about my future and after a few weeks, I got in touch again and decided to join.

“I like this type of club. It is a family club and I have been very lucky in my career to play for passionate, family clubs. It was an easy decision.

“The manager seems very down to earth and a really genuine guy. I still need to get to know him but I am sure we will get on well.”

But while the French man mountain is looking forward to his new challenge, Distin admits to knowing little about Cherries’ rise through the ranks over the past few years.

“The problem is I don’t follow football,” he added. “I love to play football and I am fanatical about it but don’t watch it much.

“I only followed the story a bit on the news but it was fantastic for the club to get promoted.”