DIEGO Rico admits "it has taken some time to adapt" to life at Cherries.

The Spanish full-back arrived last summer from Leganes in a deal believed to be worth £10.7million, but only featured 16 times last season with his campaign cut short following an ankle injury in April.

And the 26-year-old, who had previously spent his whole career playing in Spain, says he is now getting to grips with life in a new country.

He told the club website: "My first season here, it was enjoyable.

"The Premier League is very strong and very physical. It's different from La Liga in Spain, but I am enjoying the challenge.

"Living in England is nice. The summer time is very good.

"It has taken some time to adapt because it's different here.

"The language, the culture and the league, as well as different players, but I have tried to adapt quickly.

"There are a few differences between living in Spain and here in England. The language is the biggest thing, but I am learning.

"I go to a language school and little by little my English is getting better."