KEEPER Asmir Begovic admitted “I would have liked to continue playing for Milan” but insisted he was focused on doing his best at Cherries this season.

The experienced stopper spent the second half of last campaign on loan with the Italian giants, playing twice in Serie A during games against Fiorentina and Genoa.

During his time in Italy, former Chelsea man Begovic played alongside Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as Milan finished sixth in the Italian top flight.

But since being back with Cherries this season, the Bosnian international has cemented himself as the first-choice stopper at Vitality Stadium.

Asked whether he would have liked to stay at Milan, Begovic told Italian outlet Calciomercato.it: “I had a contract with Bournemouth who decided they needed me for this season.

“I liked Milan and the prospect of staying there, but this is the life of a professional footballer and we have to live with it."

Quizzed on whether he would like to return to Milan or Italy in the future, the 33-year-old replied: “As I said, it's no secret that I would have liked to continue playing for Milan and I love Italian and Italian football.

“I love Italian football and Serie A is a challenge for every player, so I wouldn't rule out anything. Everything is possible.

"For now, I'm focused on doing my best with Bournemouth, we'll see what happens next."

He added: “Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and it is a privilege to be part of it, to live and breathe the tradition and respect that this club has.

“I was hired by Milan to help the younger players with my experience on and off the pitch and I think we did some good things together, important things for the future of the club.”

Begovic has played 41 times in all competitions for Cherries this season, helping the Dorset outfit to seventh spot in the Championship with nine games remaining.

And he believes Jonathan Woodgate’s side still have a strong chance of returning to the top flight at the end of the campaign.

Begovic said: “We believe that this team's place is in the Premier.

“It's a difficult task, the Championship is one of the most demanding and difficult football competitions, but we believe in returning to the Premier League.”

The Cherries keeper is set to be involved when Woodgate’s troops host Middlesbrough on Friday (3pm).