CHERRIES stopper Asmir Begovic admitted he had never wanted to leave Portsmouth – and tipped his former club for a return to the big time.

The Bosnian international's six and a half year spell with then debt-plagued Pompey ended when he was sold to Stoke City for £3.25million in 2010, after a move to Tottenham fell through.

A matter of weeks later, the Hampshire side became the first Premier League club to enter administration with reported debts of £60million, which were later to soar past the £100m mark.

Begovic is tomorrow due to return to his old stamping ground when Cherries play their first friendly on British soil this summer (3pm). And the towering goalkeeper admitted the latter stages of his spell at Pompey had been tough.

He told the Daily Echo: "It was a difficult time. There was a lot of uncertainty for people. They were pushing some younger players through and that gave me the chance to play in the Premier League, which was great.

"I didn't particularly want to leave at that point but the financial situation at the club dictated that and I was sold, along with a few other players.

"I had a really good time there and it's a shame things didn't work out for the club the way they should have, because the club deserves to be at a higher level than it is."

Pompey were crowned champions of League Two last season after pipping Plymouth to the title on goal difference.

And Begovic feels his old team have the talent to earn back-to-back promotions.

He said: "Hopefully, with the right people in charge and the right infrastructure in place, they can push through the leagues and compete at the highest level.

"I don't see why they can't get promoted to the Championship this year. I'm sure they will be at a higher level in time, they have an amazing fan base. It's amazing the amount of people they get at games, no matter what division they are playing in.

"I wish them all the best."

Asked if he was looking forward to heading back to Pompey, Begovic added: "Fratton Park always brings good experiences.

"I had a really good time at Portsmouth for six and a half years. They gave me the chance to play in the Premier League and they believed in me for all those years, being able to go through the process of becoming a professional and getting to the level I am today.

"It will be nice to go back as I haven't been to Fratton Park in a while. There have been a lot of changes at the club over the years."

After departing Pompey, Begovic enjoyed a successful spell at Stoke and won the club's player-of-the-year award for 2012-13.

The likeable keeper moved to Chelsea for £8million in 2015, where he faced strong competition from Thibaut Courtois.

Begovic made two league appearances last term as he helped the Blues win the Premier League.