ANDREW Surman believes Cherries must make sacrifices to keep up with the rapidly increasing physical demands of the Premier League.

The 31-year-old, who last week signed a one-year contract extension at Vitality Stadium, is part of the first-team squad who today flew to Spain to begin their 11-day pre-season training camp.

Cherries are set to be put through their paces at the La Manga Club – a world-class resort which includes eight FIFA-approved grass pitches.

They will also take on La Liga oufits Sevilla and Levante in high-profile friendlies at Pinatar Arena in Murcia.

Last season’s Champions’ League quarter-finalists Sevilla will provide the Dorset club’s first test on Saturday (7pm) before they take on Levante six days later.

Looking ahead to the trip, Surman told the Daily Echo: “It will be good to get the lads together.

“When you go away, it’s horrible being away from your family and kids but it does give you one focus and means you are all together.

“You don’t moan because everyone knows you have to do it. There is no point moaning about it, it’s just a waste of energy.

“Everyone is positive about it, I have done enough pre-seasons now to know what to expect. There’s nothing different in that respect.

“With the Premier League, the fitness levels are going up every year. You have to be sharper, quicker and stronger. You have to be able to run farther.

“That’s no different this season, it’s going be even tougher, so we have to try to keep in with that. The way pre-season has started so far, we have definitely worked hard. It’s been tough but you expect it now.”

Cherries are also set to be busy off the training field in Spain, with Surman insisting there was an element of mystery over planned tasks.

“The manager always arranges team-bonding activities. Last year, we went canoeing and they are all good exercises,” he added.

“We never know what they could be. He never tells you anything until you actually get there.

“You are never really sitting around bored, there is always something to do. You are always either working or doing something which is bringing everyone together.”

The midfielder has made 197 appearances for Cherries across three different spells.

His latest deal is set to keep him at Vitality Stadium until at least the summer of 2020.

South Africa-born Surman added: “I am really happy here and have had a great time since I joined.

"I am really pleased to sign the contract and hopefully I can get my head down and have another good season.

“It’s nice to feel valued and I think any player will tell you to be valued by a manager and a club is massively important.

“I am grateful to have a new contract, I worked hard for it but there is still a lot of work to do.”